Bharti Infratel, Dalmia Bharat in KKR's Green Portfolio Programme

NEW DELHI: Private equity major Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co today said it has added seven companies including two from India -- Bharti Infratel, Dalmia Bharat Cement -- to its Green Portfolio Programme.

KKR's Green Portfolio Programme, designed to identify and unlock opportunities that improve financial and environmental performance, includes 23 (out of over 70) of its private equity portfolio companies.

"In addition to helping our portfolio company partners build better companies and create sustainable value, the Green Portfolio Program is consistent with our long-held commitment to being a responsible private equity investor," KKR's Global Head of Public Affairs Ken Mehlman said.

The companies that joined the programme today include Del Monte Foods and Capsugel in the US, TDC A/S in Denmark, Versatel and KION Group in Germany, and Bharti Infratel and Dalmia Bharat Cement in India, KKR said in a release.

"This is a great example of what we can accomplish by building on our core strengths as a long-term investment partner, and we are delighted to celebrate the fourth anniversary of our Green Portfolio Program by welcoming these new participants to the programme," Mehlman added.

Companies involved in the Green Portfolio Program reported a USD 365 million in cumulative cost savings and additional revenue from their environmental efforts since 2008, the release said.

Launched in 2008 with just three companies, KKR's Green Portfolio Programme now includes companies from nine countries and a wide variety of different industry groups, including health care, consumer products, industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and retail.

The programme is managed globally through regional KKR Capstone leadership teams in Europe, Asia, and the United States.