Biographical information on Carl Icahn

The Associated Press

NAME: Carl Icahn

AGE, BIRTHPLACE: 78; Queens, New York

CAREER: Started as a stockbroker at Dreyfus & Co. in 1961. Founded Icahn & Co. in 1968. Launched first corporate raid in 1978, targeting kitchen-appliance maker Tappan. Under pressure, the company eventually sold out to Sweden’s AB Electrolux and Icahn sold his shares for a $2.7 million profit. Later targets included RJR Nabisco, Time Warner, Texaco and Priceline.com. Considered a pioneer of so-called greenmail raid in which investors buy a company’s stock and threaten a hostile takeover unless they’re paid a premium to go away.

WEALTH: Net worth exceeds $20 billion, making him America’s 18th-wealthiest person, according to Forbes magazine.

RECENT ACTIVISM: Herbalife, which makes supplements and weight-loss products, agreed to nominate three Icahn-backed candidates for its board. Attempted to pressure Apple Inc. to buy back its own stock. Fought unsuccessfully to get e-commerce company eBay to spin off all or part of its PayPal unit.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in philosophy from Princeton University, 1957. Dropped out of New York University School of Medicine

FAMILY: Second wife Gail Golden Icahn, his former assistant; two children, Brett and Michelle, from first marriage, which ended in 1999.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up