KKR Attracting $2.5 Billion May Signal Buyout Fundraising Thaw

KKR & Co., the private-equity firm managed by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, is set to raise more than $2.5 billion for new funds in the second half of this year, as firms seize on a rebound in deals to attract investor cash.

Investors have committed $700 million to a fund focused on China that has a target of $1 billion, KKR said yesterday on a conference call. It has won commitments for infrastructure pools, mezzanine lending and credit deals, and may pitch its first large buyout fund since 2006 early next year.