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Storied Equity Firm KKR Goes Public Today

Firm's aggressive moves inspired Barbarians at the Gate

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Jul 28, 2008 6:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – Legendary buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.—battling the credit crunch and moribund in the deal-making department this year—will go public this morning in an attempt to kick-start its business and take over its flagging European affiliate, reports the Wall Street Journal. KKR could be worth up to $15 billion when it hits the New York Stock Exchange.

The private equity firm was made famous by its 1989 buyout of RJR Nabisco, which inspired the Barbarians at the Gate book and movie. In the complicated deal, KKR will buy its Amsterstam affiliate KKR Private Equity Investors, and 79% of the company shares will remain under the control of its executives. No additional public shares are planned for the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Investment banker Henry Kravis and wife Marie arrives at the Fox Business Network's Launch Party, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)

Henry Kravis, founder of the private equity firm of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)

Henry Kravis, founding partner of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

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Firm's aggressive moves inspired Barbarians at the Gate

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KKR Makes IPO Official

Private equity behemoth follows Blackstone into the public pool

Credit Jitters May Put KKR Offering on Ice

Private equity firm denies reports its IPO will be delayed

Carlyle Group Files for IPO

Huge private equity company to open its books

Nasdaq Swipes $80B in NYSE Listings

Nasdaq offers information, screen-time to woo NYSE clients

Interest Soars Sky-High in Visa's $18B IPO

Record-breaking debut could mark turning point for markets

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