History
On May 1, 1976, Henry Kravis and George Roberts co-founded KKR alongside their mentor Jerome Kohlberg with $120,000, launching what we now know as the alternatives industry. Initially only a U.S-focused private equity firm, today we are global, with multiple types of capital that we invest all over the world on behalf of our clients, and those investments are helping address some of the world's most pressing challenges. First cousins and the closest of friends, the bond of partnership between Henry and George and their entrepreneurial spirit are embedded in our firm’s DNA.
1976
- KKR founded by George Roberts, Henry Kravis and Jerome Kohlberg.
- Henry Kravis and George Roberts discuss KKR’s culture and values over dinner at Joe and Rose Restaurant in NYC.
- Insurance firms partner with KKR in funding deals.
- KKR completes its first buyout, A.J. Industries.
1982
The first state public pension funds – Oregon, Washington and Michigan – invest in KKR’s private equity funds.
1984
KKR completes first buyout of a public company, Malone & Hyde.
1996
KKR expands into Europe.
2000
KKR forms Capstone, adding value creation resources for companies.
2004
KKR diversifies the business by expanding into Credit.
2005
KKR expands into Asia, opening offices in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
2006
KKR launches the Capital Markets business
2008
KKR forms an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) platform.
2009
KKR diversifies the business by expanding into Infrastructure.
2010
KKR begins trading on the NYSE.
2011
- KKR diversifies the business by expanding into Real Estate.
- KKR adds the Global Macro & Asset Allocation team to provide insights on macro trends and the global economy.
- KKR launches Vets @ Work to promote the hiring of U.S. military veterans and spouses across KKR’s portfolio.
2012
KKR supports first broad-based employee ownership program at then portfolio company Capital Safety.
2013
KKR establishes the KKR Global Institute to provide insights on geopolitical issues and global trends.
2014
KKR forms Inclusion & Diversity Council.
2015
KKR enters a strategic partnership with Marshall Wace, a global alternative investment manager.
2016
In honor of KKR’s 40th anniversary, KKR starts the employee volunteer program KKR 40 for 40.
2017
Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall become Co-Presidents and Co-Chief Operating Officers
2018
KKR converts from a limited partnership to a corporation.
2020
KKR launches $50 million relief efforts to support nonprofits, small businesses and social entrepreneurs around the world.
2021
- KKR enters a strategic partnership with Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited, a leading retirement and life insurance company that became a majority-owned subsidiary of KKR.
- Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall named Co-Chief Executive Officers at KKR; Henry Kravis and George Roberts become Co-Executive Chairmen of KKR.
2022
- KKR expands real estate business in Japan with acquisition of KJR Management.
- KKR becomes a founding partner of Ownership Works, a nonprofit created to support public and private companies in implementing ownership cultures.
- KKR formalizes Employee Resource Groups to build communities and support employees.
2024
- Global Atlantic Financial Group becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR.
- KKR officially joins the S&P 500.
