Blum Capital

Founded in 1975 by Richard C. Blum, Blum Capital Partners, L.P. is a San Francisco-based investment firm that pioneered a hybrid strategy for public company investing. This approach combines traditional private equity techniques with strategic block investments, focusing primarily on small-cap and middle-market enterprises. Before establishing the firm, Richard Blum notably led the acquisition and subsequent profitable sale of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Throughout its history, the firm has engaged in significant partnerships and global expansions, including the formation of Newbridge Capital in 1994 alongside Texas Pacific Group and ACON Investments to target opportunities in Asia and Latin America. While the firm achieved long-term success with major investments like CB Richard Ellis, it faced substantial challenges following the 2008 financial crisis, which led to significant valuation decreases in its real estate and public stock portfolios. In more recent years, the firm has continued to participate in major acquisitions, such as the takeover of Collective Brands and the acquisition of the Grand del Mar Resort.