Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group is a Washington, D.C. based global private equity investment firm with more than $30 billion of equity capital in 2005. This large pool of money belongs to just 800 individuals from all over the world, making an average contribution of approximately $37.5 million. The firm employs more than 300 investment professionals in 14 countries with multiple offices in North America, Europe and Asia. It boasts of having on its staff, 138 MBAs, 24 JDs and 14 Ph.D/MDs from many of the world?s most prestigious universities. The firm operates four fund families, focusing on leveraged buyouts, venture capital, real estate and high-yield investments.

Controversy

Critics of the Carlyle Group frequently note its connections to various political figures. Some of the sectors and companies it invests in are highly sensitive to political activity, indeed its actions may be viewed as a form of political arbitrage. This may create conflicts of interest when political decision makers have their own personal wealth linked to such investments. Unlike most private equity firms which are predominately located in New York, Boston or around San Francisco, Carlyle is the only large private equity firm located in Washington, DC. Corporate headquarters are on Pennsylvania Avenue, midway between the White House and the Capitol building. In addition, critics will often mistakenly refer to Carlyle as a private defense contractor, due to its history of investment in aerospace and defense. Aerospace and defense investments are a small part of the group's activities and profits.

Related Topics:
Political arbitrage - Washington, DC - White House - Capitol building - Defense contractor

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