Managing Partner, Yucaipa Cos.
THE LATEST: A retail and grocery store magnate, billionaire investor Burkle’s name appeared in headlines in April for an entirely different type of purchase: He was reportedly in talks to buy the National Enquirer tabloid. The deal never went through, and Hudson News Chief Executive James Cohen was reportedly the winning bidder.
BACKGROUND: Burkle founded investment firm Yucaipa Cos. in 1986. The outfit focuses on deals in the retail, manufacturing, distribution and hospitality industries. Yucaipa, known for its major grocery chain mergers and acquisitions, has completed deals valued at more than $30 billion. Burkle has served as chairman and controlling shareholder of numerous companies, including Alliance Entertainment, Golden State Foods Corp., Dominick’s grocery store chain, Fred Meyer Inc., Ralphs Grocery Co. Inc. and Food4Less Holdings Inc.
WORTH NOTING: Burkle is chairman of the Ronald W. Burkle Foundation, which supports the arts, fosters workers’ rights and empowers underserved communities. He also serves as co-chairman of the Burkle Center for International Relations at UCLA. Burkle lives in Bozeman, Mont., but Yucaipa is based in Los Angeles.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 4
