Business digest

NATION

Kohlberg Kravis plans Dollar General IPO

NEW YORK — Private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., which operates KKR Financial Holdings LLC, is preparing for an initial public offering of discount retailer Dollar General Corp., according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter.

The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based chain, with more than 8,400 stores in 35 states, sells discounted housewares and has benefited as consumers trade down to cheaper products during the recession.

Venture capital returns to the clean-tech game

DENVER — Venture capitalists increased investments in alternative energy by 73 percent over the past three months, according to a report issued Wednesday, an indication that the horrible market conditions from earlier this year may have abated.

Investors are also growing more confident because the government is making good on promises to try to shift the national energy policy more toward wind, solar and other renewable technologies.

Associated Press