Is it in Us?
If toxic pollution is in products we use every day, is it also in us? Find out at http://www.IsItInUs.com »
Tell Us Your Story
To the buyout industry KKR’s buyout of Toy’s “R” Us is a story of high finance, massive profits and fees for corporate execs and KKR. But to the workers at Toys “R” Us, and the communities that depend on them, the story is far more bleak. Instead of tales of millions in profits, the KKR buyout story is one of lost jobs and closed stores.
KKR has their story, we want to hear yours.»
Following Massive Recalls, Safety Lapses
Massive Day of Action Targets Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (“KKR”) and 88 Toys “R” Us Stores as Activists Turn to Consumers to Join Campaign against Toxic Toys at Toys “R” Us
Times Square Event: Coalition will Offer Free Same Day Lead Testing using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry to NYC Parents Near Toys “R” Us Flagship Store in Times Square
Read more » | See where we'll be on the 24th »
An important note about lead test kits »
Mothers Call on Owners of Toys R Us to Improve Product Safety
Child safety advocates and elected officials joined dozens of mothers concerned about lead in toys to call on buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR)—which has a history of investing in companies that sell hazardous products for children—to take immediate steps to ensure that as Halloween and the holiday season approach, the toys sold at Toys ‘R’ Us and its other portfolio companies are safe and do not endanger our children.
KKR-portfolio companies have repeatedly been sued over their products and have appeared before Congress to testify about toxic and tainted toys.
Just this summer, KKR-owned Toys ‘R’ Us recalled more than 100,000 lead-tainted bibs and crayon and paint sets. Earlier this year, Dollar General stores recalled lead-tainted key chains. Evenflo—a company formerly owned by KKR—was even named liable in the death of a 4-month-old baby who died after striking his head against his car seat during a car accident in 2000.
Given these massive failures to protect children, it is clear that KKR’s portfolio companies have not done enough to ensure quality control and high safety standards for their products.
Child safety advocates and corporate watchdogs expressed concern that businesses owned by buyout firms like KKR may be less likely to be vigilant when it comes to consumer safety because of the industry’s business model, which places control of a company in the hands of a largely unaccountable group of private investors.