Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) was established in 1978, evolving from a turnaround management firm founded in 1976 by Martin H. Dubilier, Eugene Clayton, and Bill Welsh. The firm became known as Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 1992 following the addition of Joseph L. Rice III. It is recognized as the 24th oldest private equity firm globally and has built a reputation for its operationally-focused investment strategy, often recruiting former CEOs as partners to oversee its portfolio companies.

The firm focuses on large-scale buyouts and complex corporate carve-outs across diverse sectors, including industrials, healthcare, and consumer retail. Notable historical activity includes the formation of Lexmark from IBM's printer division and the $15 billion acquisition of Hertz Global Holdings in partnership with other private equity leaders. More recently, the firm has been active in the UK market with significant acquisitions such as the Morrisons supermarket chain and Wolseley UK.

CD&R has a history of high-profile leadership and advisory roles, including the tenure of former GE CEO Jack Welch as a senior advisor. The firm continues to be a major player in the global private equity landscape, frequently appearing in top industry rankings like the PEI 300. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the firm remains aggressive in its acquisition strategy, agreeing to multi-billion dollar deals for companies like Sealed Air and R1 RCM.