PE Council Adds More Lobbyists

Washington D.C. (AP) — The Private Equity Council, a trade group that represents Blackstone Group LP and other private-equity players, has hired its fourth lobbying firm since it was formed just six months ago.

The council, which is fighting proposed legislation that would eliminate tax advantages for private-equity firms' general partners, hired Johnson, Madigan, Peck, Boland & Stewart, according to a federal disclosure form filed Wednesday.

In addition to Johnson, Madigan, the Private Equity Council this year has also hired Capitol Tax Partners LLP, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.

Several of the trade group's members, including Blackstone, which is planning to go public this week, have also retained lobbying firms.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.