KKR fined $250 million for antitrust violations

Key facts

• KKR was fined $250 million by the US Department of Justice.
• The fine is the largest antitrust penalty of its kind.
• KKR allegedly flouted pre-merger antitrust requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
• The penalty is more than 20 times any previous fine of its kind.

KKR has incurred a $250 million fine from the US Department of Justice, marking the largest antitrust penalty of its kind and the largest operational risk hit for the investment firm in August. The penalty stems from allegations that KKR repeatedly violated the pre-merger antitrust requirements mandated by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSR Act). This "historic" civil penalty is more than 20 times larger than any previous fine of its nature.