KKR to pay $250 million to settle U.S. antitrust merger filing case

KKR has agreed to a record $250 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve allegations that the private equity firm violated federal pre-merger filing requirements. The penalty is the largest ever imposed for violations of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

The Department of Justice alleged that between 2021 and 2022, KKR repeatedly failed to comply with antitrust scrutiny requirements in at least 16 different transactions. Prosecutors claimed the firm either modified documents, omitted required filings, or systematically excluded mandatory information. The government noted that KKR, which manages over $700 billion in assets, was familiar with the law, having made more than 100 filings since 2021.

In a statement, KKR expressed strong disagreement with the government’s characterization of the events, asserting that the firm acted in good faith and that its processes were consistent with industry practice. The company stated it chose to settle to avoid a legal battle that would serve as a distraction. KKR also noted that the penalty would not impact its financial position or investors, as it will be fully reimbursed by external law firms.