Caterpillar Inc. retained Bill Barr, former U.S. attorney general, as outside counsel amid a federal investigation into the company.
According to Reuters, U.S. law enforcement officials raided three Caterpillar facilities in Illinois earlier this month as part of an Internal Revenue Service probe related to profits earned by Caterpillar SARL, the company’s Swiss parts unit. Barr will assist Cat in reviewing and addressing issues related to Caterpillar SARL.
“Bill Barr is one of the most distinguished lawyers in the country, with an impeccable track record, well-known for his integrity and direct, honest advice,” says Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby. “I have asked Bill, who has no prior connection with Caterpillar, to draw on his experience and that of his colleagues at Kirkland & Ellis and other advisers, to take a fresh look at Caterpillar’s disputes with the government, get all the facts, and then help us bring these matters to proper resolution based on the merits.”
Barr served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush.
