Golden Gate Capital Company Profile and History

Author

Reads 7.3K

Rescue Helicopter Flying Under Golden Gate Bridge
Credit: pexels.com, Rescue Helicopter Flying Under Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Capital is a leading private equity investment firm that has been making waves in the industry since its founding in 1980. Founded by David Dominik, Richard Lesser, and William Price, the company has a rich history of investing in a wide range of industries.

The company's early success can be attributed to its focus on investing in companies with strong potential for growth and improvement. With a keen eye for identifying undervalued assets, Golden Gate Capital has been able to deliver impressive returns to its investors.

Golden Gate Capital has a team of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With a strong track record of success, the company has established itself as a trusted and respected player in the private equity industry.

Darden Sells Red Lobster for $2.1B

Golden Gate Capital played a key role in the sale of Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital and other investors for $2.1 billion.

Ornate Buildings of Yingtian Gate in Luoyang
Credit: pexels.com, Ornate Buildings of Yingtian Gate in Luoyang

The sale was a significant deal, involving a major player in the restaurant industry.

Golden Gate Capital is a well-established private equity firm with a history of successful investments.

In this case, the firm partnered with other investors to acquire Red Lobster from Darden Restaurants.

Darden Restaurants had previously acquired Red Lobster in 1970 for $1.5 million.

Red Lobster has since grown into a global seafood chain with over 700 locations worldwide.

Golden Gate Capital has a track record of turning around struggling companies, which may be a key factor in their decision to invest in Red Lobster.

The sale of Red Lobster is a prime example of Golden Gate Capital's ability to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities.

Golden Gate Capital's investment in Red Lobster is expected to bring significant returns, given the restaurant chain's strong brand recognition and loyal customer base.

The sale of Red Lobster also marks a significant milestone for Golden Gate Capital, solidifying their position as a major player in the private equity industry.

Management and Employment

Entrance of Golden Gate Bridge
Credit: pexels.com, Entrance of Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Capital's management team is led by several key individuals. David C. Dominik serves as the President and Managing Director.

The team also includes Managing Directors Robert O'Connor Little, Rishi Chandna, David Charles Thomas, Joshua Olshansky, and Joshua Evan Cohen. Each of these individuals brings their expertise to the table.

Here is a list of some of the key members of Golden Gate Capital's management team:

Ownership/Leadership

At Golden Gate Capital, the leadership team is comprised of experienced professionals who play a crucial role in the company's decision-making process.

Robert O'Connor Little is a Managing Director at Golden Gate Capital.

James Robert O'Connor serves as the Chief Compliance Officer, ensuring that the company operates within the bounds of the law.

Steve Oetgen is not only the Executive Vice President, Finance, but also a Managing Director and General Counsel.

Rishi Chandna is a Managing Director, contributing his expertise to the company's growth.

Business leaders signing a significant agreement in a conference room setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Business leaders signing a significant agreement in a conference room setting.

David Charles Thomas is also a Managing Director, bringing his skills and experience to the table.

David C. Dominik is the President and Managing Director, overseeing the company's overall strategy.

Joshua Olshansky is a Managing Director, providing valuable insights to the company's decision-making process.

Joshua Evan Cohen is another Managing Director, contributing his expertise to the company's growth.

Dan Haspel is the Managing Director of Golden Gate Capital, overseeing the company's overall strategy.

How Many People Are Employed?

Golden Gate Capital is a private equity firm with a relatively small team. 130 people are employed at Golden Gate Capital.

Company Information

Golden Gate Capital is a private equity investment firm based in San Francisco, California. They were founded in 1980 by David Dominik, Richard Lesser, and Fred Reichheld.

The firm has a strong presence in the global market, with offices in New York, London, and other locations.

Where Is Based?

Golden Gate Capital is based in San Francisco, California.

SIC Code Definition

Silhouette of a person overlooking the stunning San Francisco skyline at dusk.
Credit: pexels.com, Silhouette of a person overlooking the stunning San Francisco skyline at dusk.

The SIC code is a classification system used to identify industries and businesses.

A SIC code is a four-digit number assigned to a company, and it helps to categorize their primary business activity.

Golden Gate Capital has a SIC code of 62, 621.

The SIC code is often used by investors, researchers, and government agencies to quickly identify a company's industry and business model.

For instance, with Golden Gate Capital's SIC code of 62, 621, we can determine that their primary business activity is in the finance and insurance sector.

Broaden your view: Source Code Capital

Financials

Golden Gate Capital's financial performance is impressive, with over $65 billion in assets under management as of 2022. This significant figure reflects the company's ability to grow its assets over the years.

The firm's investment portfolio is diverse, with a focus on private equity, growth equity, and credit investments. Golden Gate Capital has a strong track record of delivering returns to its investors, with a history of successful exits and investments in various industries.

Golden Gate Capital's financial stability is also reflected in its ability to generate significant revenue, with a reported $1.4 billion in revenue in 2020.

Holdings

Golden Gate Bridge Shrouded in Evening Fog
Credit: pexels.com, Golden Gate Bridge Shrouded in Evening Fog

Golden Gate Capital has made significant investments in various companies across different industries.

The firm acquired a majority stake in the Romano's Macaroni Grill restaurant chain for $131 Million in 2008.

Golden Gate Capital's unit, Mac Acquisition LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2017, but was able to emerge in February 2018.

The company purchased the J.Jill brand business from Talbots in June 2009 for an undisclosed sum.

In April 2011, the Bahrain-based private equity firm Arcapita bought Jill Acquisitions from Golden Gate for an undisclosed amount.

Golden Gate Capital acquired California Pizza Kitchen in 2011, but the company declared bankruptcy in July 2020 due to debt and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The firm acquired Collective Brands on October 9, 2012, in a joint deal with Wolverine World Wide and Blum Capital.

Golden Gate Capital completed the purchase of Red Lobster from Darden Restaurants for $2.1 billion in July 2014, but the restaurant chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024.

A detailed view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Sausalito, CA on a sunny day.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Sausalito, CA on a sunny day.

The company acquired Angus Chemical Co. and its Sterlington plant from Dow Chemical for $1.215 billion in November 2014.

Golden Gate Capital sold its J.Jill retail holdings to TowerBrook in May 2015 for an undisclosed sum.

The firm acquired lifestyle clothing brand PacSun in September 2016 after the retailer completed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Golden Gate Capital purchased the Bob Evans Restaurants division from Bob Evans Farms for $565 million in January 2017.

The company acquired Neustar, Inc., a publicly traded company, for an undisclosed sum in August 2017.

Golden Gate Capital acquired The Learning Experience, a provider of early education and child care services, in July 2018.

The firm acquired Vector Solutions of Tampa from Providence Equity Partners for an undisclosed sum in November 2018.

Golden Gate Capital acquired Invo Holding, LLC, a provider of autism and childhood behavioral health services, for an undisclosed amount in September 2019.

NGL Energy Partners acquired Hillstone Environmental Partners, a company co-founded by Golden Gate Capital and Hillstone CEO Jay Parkinson, for approximately $600 million in November 2019.

Key Stats & Charts

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline from a cozy terrace.
Credit: pexels.com, Enjoy a breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline from a cozy terrace.

Golden Gate Capital is a top-ranked private equity company, coming in at 25 out of 1975 private equity companies.

The company's performance is consistently strong, ranking 27 out of 1975 private equity companies.

Its ranking fluctuates, but it's still a notable 167 out of 1975 private equity companies.

However, in terms of market share, Golden Gate Capital holds a more significant position, ranking 72 out of 1975 private equity companies.

Capital

Golden Gate Capital is a private equity firm that manages a range of private funds.

They have a large portfolio, with 28 private funds under their management, including the Golden Gate Capital Opportunity Fund A Lp and the Emerald Gate Credit Fund Llc.

Golden Gate Capital's private funds are diverse, covering various investment strategies and geographic regions.

The firm's private funds have names like Golden Gate Capital Investment Fund Ii Ai Lp, which suggests a focus on sophisticated investment strategies.

These private funds are managed by experienced professionals, and their performance is likely closely monitored.

Stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night amidst San Francisco city lights and mist.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night amidst San Francisco city lights and mist.

Golden Gate Capital's private funds have a range of investment objectives, from generating returns to preserving capital.

The firm's private funds are often structured as limited partnerships or limited liability companies, which allows for flexibility in their operations.

Golden Gate Capital's private funds are not publicly traded, which means they are only available to accredited investors or institutional investors.

If this caught your attention, see: Fareast Islami Life Insurance Company Limited

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Golden Gate Capital still own Red Lobster?

No, Golden Gate Capital exited its investment in Red Lobster in 2020. The brand is now owned by Thai Union Group and an investor group.

How much is Golden Gate Capital worth?

Golden Gate Capital has over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital. This significant investment portfolio supports the firm's private equity activities.

Verna Walter

Lead Writer

Verna Walter is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and business. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted authority on the European financial landscape. Verna's expertise spans a wide range of topics, from the inner workings of the European Central Bank to the intricacies of the Austrian stock market.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.