KKR & Co.

KKR & Co. Inc., founded as Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. in 1976, stands as one of the world's most influential and innovative investment firms, pioneering the modern leveraged buyout industry and reshaping how capital flows through global markets. Founded by Jerome Kohlberg Jr. and cousins Henry Kravis and George R. Roberts—all veterans of Bear Stearns—the firm began with a simple but revolutionary premise: using leveraged buyouts to acquire controlling stakes in established companies, improve their operations, and generate superior returns for investors. From its modest beginnings with just $120,000 in initial capital ($10,000 each from Kravis and Roberts, $100,000 from Kohlberg), KKR has grown into a financial powerhouse managing $638 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, with a diverse portfolio spanning private equity, credit, real estate, infrastructure, and other alternative investments.

The firm achieved legendary status with its 1988 acquisition of RJR Nabisco for $25 billion, which remained the largest leveraged buyout in history for 17 years and was immortalized in the book and film "Barbarians at the Gate." This landmark transaction demonstrated KKR's ability to execute complex, large-scale acquisitions and established the firm as the preeminent name in private equity. Since then, KKR has completed 770 private equity investments with approximately $790 billion of total enterprise value, building one of the most successful track records in alternative asset management. The firm went public in 2010, listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KKR, marking a new chapter in its evolution from a partnership to a publicly traded investment management company.

Under the current leadership of Co-CEOs Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall—who succeeded founders Kravis and Roberts in 2021—KKR has embarked on an ambitious growth trajectory with a goal to surpass $1 trillion in assets under management by 2030. The firm's 2024 performance demonstrated exceptional momentum, with total revenue reaching $22.3 billion, $114 billion in capital raised, and assets under management growing 15% to $638 billion. Fee-related earnings rose 37% to $3.3 billion, while perpetual capital—a strategic priority providing more stable, long-term funding—grew 20% to $268 billion, representing 42% of total AUM. KKR deployed a record $84 billion in investments during 2024, reflecting strong deal activity across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and credit strategies.

KKR's investment philosophy centers on a patient, disciplined approach that emphasizes deep operational expertise, value creation, and long-term partnership with portfolio companies. The firm and its employees have approximately $28.6 billion invested in or committed to their own funds and portfolio companies, demonstrating strong alignment with investor interests. With over 8,300 employees across offices worldwide, KKR combines global reach with local expertise, operating through specialized teams focused on private equity, credit, real assets (infrastructure and real estate), and capital markets. The firm's culture emphasizes teamwork, integrity, accountability, innovation, excellence, and diversity, with more than 65% of employees globally affiliated with at least one Employee Resource Group. As KKR continues to evolve, it remains focused on generating attractive returns for investors while supporting growth in portfolio companies and the communities where they operate.