The barbarians at the gate are now knocking politely. The master of the 1980s buyout universe, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (popularly known as KKR) has shed its hostile takeover image for a kinder, gentler, buy-and-build strategy. KKR assembles funds from institutional and wealthy investors to buy low and sell high. An active investor, the firm supervises or installs new management and revamps strategy and corporate structure, selling underperforming units or adding new ones. KKR profits not only from its direct interest in these companies but also from fund and company management fees. Cousins Henry Kravis and George Roberts are the senior partners in KKR.