Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

Founded in 1978 by Martin H. Dubilier, Eugene Clayton, and Bill Welsh, the firm originally established itself as a turnaround management investment specialist. It became Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 1992 following the arrival of Joseph L. Rice III. The firm is recognized for its strategy of involving experienced former CEOs and corporate executives as partners to drive operational value in its portfolio companies.

CD&R typically engages in large-scale leveraged buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and complex transactions across a variety of industrial and consumer sectors. Notable historical milestones include the formation of Lexmark from IBM's printer division and the $15 billion acquisition of Hertz Global Holdings. The firm operates globally with primary offices in New York and London.

In recent years, CD&R has continued to execute high-profile deals such as the acquisition of the British supermarket chain Morrisons and the software company Epicor. The firm remains a top-ranked global private equity player, frequently appearing in the PEI 300 rankings of the largest firms by capital raised.