Private equity giant KKR agreed to a $250 million civil settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations it repeatedly violated federal premerger filing requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
The settlement, announced Wednesday by the Justice Department, resolves a civil lawsuit filed in 2025 that accused KKR of evading antitrust scrutiny in at least 16 transactions. The penalty is the largest ever imposed for violations of the HSR Act, according to the department.
KKR, which manages more than $700 billion in assets, stated that the penalty would not affect its financial position, funds, or investors, as the amount would be fully reimbursed by outside legal counsel. The firm maintained in a statement that it acted in good faith under its prior filing process and that its approach was consistent with industry practice.
The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward emphasized the department's commitment to vigorous enforcement, stating the settlement sends a strong message about compliance with merger-review rules. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have prioritized scrutiny of merger activity and adherence to filing requirements in recent years.
Since 2021, KKR has submitted over 100 premerger filings, according to the Justice Department's announcement.
