Parent company
KKR (via Hitachi Koki)
2 brands in the Ledger under this company.
Featured investigation
Worse on Purpose
Investigation · March 31, 2026
Your Power Tools Got Worse On Purpose
Two conglomerates bought American power tools in the 2000s. One built Milwaukee into the dominant cordless platform. The other spent $6B+ hollowing out Craftsman, Porter-Cable, and more. Plus the brands that refused to sell.
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Brands under KKR (via Hitachi Koki)
Tools · Power Tools
Metabo (original)
Status: Former GreatHistoric German metalworking and power tool brand. Originally family-owned; considered a top choice for angle grinders and metalworking.
KKR (via Hitachi Koki acquisition chain)
Tools · Power Tools
Metabo HPT
Status: AvoidUS-market brand for KKR's ex-Hitachi Koki power tools. Originally Hitachi in the US (known for nail guns), rebranded Metabo HPT.
KKR (via Hitachi Koki)