The Carlyle Group

Founded in 1987 in Washington, D.C. as a boutique investment bank, The Carlyle Group has grown into a global powerhouse in alternative asset management. The firm gained early notoriety for its investments in the defense industry, such as United Defense Industries, though it has since diversified its portfolio significantly. In 2012, the firm transitioned from a private partnership to a public company, listing on the NASDAQ.

Carlyle operates through three primary segments: Global Private Equity, Global Real Assets, and Global Credit. The firm has a history of participating in some of the largest leveraged buyouts in history, including Hertz and Kinder Morgan. In recent years, it has expanded into new verticals such as fund-of-funds through the acquisition of AlpInvest and sustainability services via Anthesis Group. The firm maintains a global presence with dozens of offices across four continents.