Publications
Publications
- December 2022 (Revised June 2023)
- HBS Case Collection
KKR at CHI Overhead Doors (A)
By: Dennis Campbell and Ethan Rouen
Abstract
This case examines the decision by private equity firm KKR to grant equity to every employee at portfolio company CHI Overhead Doors upon purchasing the company in 2015. The case explores whether this initiative will create shared value, growing profits through better incentive alignment while creating wealth for low-wage manufacturing workers. While CHI witnessed some initial gains in safety and productivity, executives and KKR struggled with how to instill in employees a sense of ownership that would unlock greater value. The (B) case discusses the strategies implemented to overcome employee skepticism. The (C) case describes KKR’s sale of CHI, the wealth created for employees, and the next steps KKR was planning to expand the employee ownership strategy.
Keywords
Citation
Campbell, Dennis, and Ethan Rouen. "KKR at CHI Overhead Doors (A)." Harvard Business School Case 123-018, December 2022. (Revised June 2023.)