At long last, Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts have filed to list shares on the NYSE, moving it to within a hair of a cherished goal. It's gotten close before, but then the markets intervened, preventing an offering. But it once again feels the time is ripe.

According to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC news), the firm is seeking to list 204.9 million common units worth about $2.2 billion and trade under the symbol KKR. The units represent a 30 percent interest in KKR, notes Reuters. The remaining 70 percent will be held by principals. Will it once again be thwarted by tough market conditions?

The markets are hardly IPO-friendly now. And the there are reasons to think the environment for private equity deal making, to buy firms and exit investments, would be cause for concern. But we'll just have to see. The last thing the firm wants is to tank like Blackstone in the immediate aftermarket.

For more:
- here's the Reuters article

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