KKR

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KKR is a New York based, publicly listed global private equity fund. KKR was one of the pioneer of the Leveraged Buyout industry and has completed over $400bn+ of private equity transactions. The firm was founded in 1976 by Jerome Kohlberg (who now left the firm), and cousins Henry Kravis and George Roberts, all of whom had previously worked together at Bear Stearns. The firm became popular after its takeover of RJR Nabisco (which was described in book “Barbarians at the Gate”), which at the time was the largest LBO ever.

The European office was opened in 1994 and was substantially enlarged in 1999, and KKR is a major palyer in private equity in Germany, France and the UK.

Investment Strategy

KKR prefers to make long-term investments that partner with management, and the firm will consider investments in all industries and has expertise in chemicals, energy and natural resources, financial services, healthcare, industrials, consumer and retail and TMT.

The average investment horizon is 7 years, although a number of investments have exceeded 10 years; in addition, KKR will continue to hold the controlling interest in its portfolio companies after they go public.