Story perspectives

Private-Equity Service Takeovers Harm Living Standards, Prompt Government Action

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The analysis argues that private-equity ownership of services harms living standards and could be limited by government action.
Blackstone, KKR and the Qatar Investment Authority have acquired water, energy, housing, health and transport assets, resulting in sewage spills, low staff wages and profit-driven care.
O'Brien links offshore structures, tax advantages and underfunded inspections to profit focus, citing an African hospital that pressured staff to admit patients who could not pay.

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Story summary

The analysis argues that private-equity ownership of services harms living standards and could be limited by government action.
Blackstone, KKR and the Qatar Investment Authority have acquired water, energy, housing, health and transport assets, resulting in sewage spills, low staff wages and profit-driven care.
O'Brien links offshore structures, tax advantages and underfunded inspections to profit focus, citing an African hospital that pressured staff to admit patients who could not pay.