European Commission charges KKR with providing misleading merger filings over NetCo

The European Commission issued a formal Statement of Objections to KKR & Co. Inc. on 19 October 2026 alleging the firm supplied misleading information during the 2024 merger review of its NetCo acquisition ^[1]. Under Article 14(1) of the EU Merger Regulation, the Commission can impose fines of up to 1% of annual worldwide turnover for misleading disclosures ^[1].

The investigation, registered under Case M.12099, concerns factual representations made during the unconditional Phase 1 clearance of KKR's acquisition of Telecom Italia's nationwide fixed-line network unit ^[1]. Regulators relied on those submissions when evaluating post-merger wholesale broadband competition and access arrangements ^[1].

KKR has the legal right to examine the investigation documents, respond in writing, and request an oral hearing before any final infringement decision is reached ^[1].

What it measures

Procedural enforcement under EU merger control rules governing the accuracy of factual submissions during European digital and telecommunications infrastructure transactions ^[1].

What it does not tell you

The public statement does not disclose the specific commercial contracts under dispute or state whether the Commission intends to seek the maximum 1% turnover penalty ^[1].