DALLAS-As one of the nation’s largest privately owned companies, Sammons Enterprises Inc. has invested in a variety of industries including commercial real estate since its inception in 1938. Its newest strategy regarding property investing is a shift from its previous strategies and unique to the sector overall.

The firm, which has assets approaching $50 billion, recently launched a new subsidiary, Compatriot Capital Inc., to make direct investments in real estate operating companies (REOCs). The subsidiary is capitalized to build a business with a net equity value in excess of $1 billion within 10 years.

Heather Kreager, president of Sammons Enterprises, serves as chairman of the board for Compatriot, while Paul Rowsey serves as president and CEO of the subsidiary. Rowsey was previously with E2M Partners, a local private equity firm that invests in commercial real estate on behalf of individual and institutional investors.