Carl Icahn

Carl Icahn, 1980s

Carl Icahn

Carl Icahn (born February 16, 1936) is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn Enterprises, a diversified conglomerate holding company based in New York City. Icahn is known for his aggressive investment style and has been a prominent figure in the world of corporate raiding and activist investing.

Early Life and Education

Carl Celian Icahn was born in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York City. He attended Far Rockaway High School and later went on to study at Princeton University, where he earned a degree in philosophy in 1957. After Princeton, Icahn enrolled in the New York University School of Medicine but dropped out to join the United States Army.

Career

Early Career

Icahn began his career on Wall Street in 1961 as a stockbroker. In 1968, he formed Icahn & Co., a securities firm that focused on risk arbitrage and options trading.

Corporate Raiding and Activist Investing

Icahn gained a reputation as a corporate raider in the 1980s. He became known for buying significant stakes in companies and then pushing for changes to increase shareholder value, often through hostile takeovers. Some of his most notable targets included TWA, Texaco, Phillips Petroleum, and RJR Nabisco.

In more recent years, Icahn has been described as an activist investor. He has taken substantial positions in companies such as Apple Inc., eBay, Netflix, and Herbalife. His investment strategy often involves advocating for corporate governance changes, share buybacks, and divestitures.

Icahn Enterprises

Icahn Enterprises is a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses, including energy, automotive, food packaging, metals, real estate, and home fashion. Icahn serves as the chairman of the board and owns a majority of the company's shares.

Philanthropy

Carl Icahn has made significant contributions to various causes through the Icahn Charitable Foundation. His philanthropic efforts have focused on education, medical research, and social services. Notable donations include substantial gifts to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, which led to the establishment of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Personal Life

Icahn has been married twice and has two children. His son, Brett Icahn, is also involved in the family business and has been groomed to take over leadership roles within Icahn Enterprises.

Legacy

Carl Icahn is considered one of the most influential investors of his generation. His aggressive tactics and success in the financial markets have made him a controversial yet highly respected figure in the world of business and finance.

See Also

• Activist investor
• Corporate raider
• Icahn Enterprises
• Wall Street