Private Equity Investment Grows Dollar General into one of the Nations Largest, Most Successful Retailers

Today the Private Equity at Work campaign released a new video case study today featuring national retailer Dollar General, now the nation’s largest small-box discount retailer by store count. Since partnering with KKR in 2007, Dollar General has opened more than 2,000 new stores, created over 20,000 new jobs and grown revenue by 56 percent.

Headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Dollar General’s growth and profitability had slowed and was in need of a new course. KKR identified that the retailer could improve the business at the store and distribution levels and dramatically increase the company’s reach. As a result of their efforts, Dollar General increased employment in 40 states and has over 10,000 stores today.

“If you look back at the involvement with private equity since 2007, their help in developing a concise, consistent business plan, their ability to be there for advice, and their ability to help us attract good quality people has really been a key ingredient of making it successful for everybody,” said Rick Dreiling, Chairman and CEO of Dollar General in the video.

Investment Highlights:

  • Between 2007 and 2011, Dollar General grew revenue by 56 percent.
  • Over that same period, the company created more than 20,000 new jobs. The company currently employees approximately 91,000 people total.
  • In March, 2012, Dollar General opened its 10,000th store. Today, it is the largest retailer by store count.

To watch the video, click here.