Big Biz Lobbyists Sit Out Private Equity Tax Fight

Other bankers unmoved to defend their tax advantages

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Jul 30, 2007 11:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – Two big business lobbying groups are sitting out the fight in Congress over increasing taxes on private-equity earnings—in part, the Financial Times reports, because many of their members are threatened by the rise of private equity. Big firms like Blackstone pay traditional banks hefty fees for the underwriting their IPOs, but they also take business away from them.

Because of a loophole, private-equity partners are taxed at a much lower rate than banking executives, and they're not seeing broad support in the banking community to keep it that way. The Business Roundtable and the Financial Services Forum—two of the most influential groups—are staying neutral. "Of the battles we need to fight on policy, this is not one of them," says the Business Roundtable.

In this photo released by The Blackstone Group, Stephen Schwarzman, the chief executive of The Blackstone Group is shown. Schwarzman, will pocket $449.2 million and hold about 24 percent of the company... (Associated Press)

Stephen Schwarzman attends The 39th Annual Museum of Modern Art's Party in the Garden honoring Martin Scorsese, held at the Museum of Modern Art, in this May 15, 2007 file photo in New York. The chief... (Associated Press)

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Big Biz Lobbyists Sit Out Private Equity Tax Fight

Other bankers unmoved to defend their tax advantages

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Thanks to an army of lobbyists, they've dodged reforms

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Other bankers unmoved to defend their tax advantages

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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private equity • taxes • bank • Business Roundtable • Financial Services Forum • lobbying

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

GE 2010 Profits: $14.2B GE Tax Bill: $0

In fact, it earned a tax benefit of $3.2B

Hedge Funds Get 'Sweet Deal' in Finance Bill

Thanks to an army of lobbyists, they've dodged reforms

Politics Played Major Role in Bailout Choices

Politically connected banks likelier to get TARP funds

Wreck of IndyMac Sold for $13.9B

Soros, Dell among the players in FDIC's damaged-goods sale

Fed Loosens Reins on Private Funds Buying Into Banks

But some worry risky loans will result

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