A global protest against Kohlberg Kravis Roberts by trade unions and activists saw an invoice
delivered to its European headquarters in London for 225m of alleged unpaid taxes.
The protest is meant to cover 25 countries, the London protest organisation Private Equity Creative Action Network said. Camille Beuret, spokeswoman for Pecan, said she had been pleased by the turnout of 31 people for the demonstration, which set off from Trafalgar Square to KKR’s office in Stirling Square to the Beatles’ anti-tax song Taxman.
She added: "KKR was being singled out at the start of a summer of campaigning because it is one of the largest and oldest private equity firms." She said the organisation was not paid by trade unions but had become aware of the issue after trade unions had highlighted it.
The taxes would have been paid if its UK companies, including retailer Alliance Boots, had been in public ownership she said without explanation.
However, a Citigroup banker based in the same building as KKR but who declined to give his name, said he was unimpressed by the protest’s message and impact.
KKR was unavailable to comment.
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Some photos of the action