A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult, a national opinion research firm, showed 64 percent had an unfavorable view of “inversions” when the transaction was explained in plain language. But only 40 percent had heard of the phenomena and 30 percent said they thought it was hurting the economy.
“It hasn’t really broken through as an issue yet, though the Burger King transaction could be a milestone in that it’s a very recognizable American company,” said Michael Ramlet, founder and publisher of Morning Consult.
But the administration refused to make an example of Burger King, saying at the time the deal was announced that they would not get into specific companies’ plans. And Burger King’s deal to buy Canadian donut chain Tim Hortons and move the combined company’s headquarters to Canada came with financing from Buffett, who has been a close ally of the president’s. Buffett’s name is on Obama’s proposal to make sure millionaires pay at least a base level of income tax.
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