New Caterpillar CEO Asks Former U.S. Attorney General to Assess and Help Address Ongoing Government Investigation
March 16, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Caterpillar CEO Asks Former U.S. Attorney General to Assess and Help Address Ongoing Government Investigation
William P. Barr brings extensive government, legal, and public company experience
PEORIA, Ill. – Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced it has retained former U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr as outside counsel. Jim Umpleby, who became Chief Executive Officer of Caterpillar on January 1, 2017, has tasked Mr. Barr, currently of counsel to the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, with reviewing matters relating to the search warrants executed at Caterpillar facilities on March 2, 2017, and assisting the company in appropriately addressing those matters.
“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,” said 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.”
Mr. Barr served as the 77th Attorney General of the United States (1991-93) under President George H.W. Bush, and before that as Deputy Attorney General (1990-91) and as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel (1989-90) at the United States Department of Justice. After his public service, Mr. Barr served for over 14 years as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Verizon Communications, Inc. and its predecessor company, GTE Corp.
“I am committed to maintaining Caterpillar’s long tradition of pursuing the highest ethical standards in conducting our business and, as we focus on restoring growth at Caterpillar, I am confident that Bill’s assistance will help our leadership team achieve these goals,” Umpleby concluded.
About Caterpillar
For more than 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2016 sales and revenues of $38.537 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.