Private Money Goes Into The Channel

Last December, KKR & Co. announced its intent to acquire Optiv Security, a blockbuster deal reportedly worth $2 billion. The deal by KKR – the second-largest private equity firm in the world according to the 2016 Private Equity International 300 – was a sign of a major buy-in by private equity into the channel, the latest in a growing tide of deals in recent years. In an interview with CRN, Herald Chen, co-head of the technology, media and telecommunications team at KKR, laid out why he thinks the opportunity is greater than ever for an investment in a solution provider company like Optiv, and what value private equity in turn can bring to the partner market.

For more on private equity and the channel, read CRN's February cover story 'Private Equity Power Play.'