Ronald Perelman

$1.59 B

Ranked #2451 in World

About Ronald Perelman

Finance magnate Ronald Owen Perelman's career highlights his strategic corporate takeovers and investments. His tenure at Belmont Industries saw internal conflict before his move to New York. Through MacAndrews & Forbes, Perelman orchestrated Cohen-Hatfield Jewelers' purchase and transformed the firm, acquiring Technicolor Inc., Compact Video Inc., and New World Entertainment. Moreover, controversial buys, including Revlon Corporation, and litigation against Morgan Stanley (resulting in an overruled $1.45 billion verdict) mark his fraught legal journey. Philanthropically, Perelman has substantially contributed to various causes and institutions. His personal life witnessed multiple marriages and robust adherence to Jewish traditions. His real estate ventures faced challenges, notably a fire at his East Hampton villa.

Born

January 01, 1943 in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.

Age

83 years

Source Of Wealth

Leveraged Buyouts

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, New York

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Pennsylvania; Master of Business Administration, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

Spouse

Faith Golding (Married: 1965; Divorced: 1984), Claudia Cohen (Married: 1985; Divorced: 1994), Patricia Duff (Married: 1995; Divorced: 1996), Ellen Barkin (Married: 2000; Divorced: 2006), Anna Chapman (Married: 2010)

Children

Parent

Raymond G. Perelman (father)

Ronald Owen Perelman was born on January 1, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, Raymond Perelman, was a successful businessman who founded Belmont Industries, a conglomerate that included various companies such as cosmetics, food, and real estate. Ronald grew up in a wealthy and privileged environment, attending prestigious schools and enjoying the benefits of his family's affluence.

Ronald Perelman: Family

Ronald Perelman comes from a prominent and influential family. His father, Raymond Perelman, was a renowned businessman who built a successful empire. Ronald has been married five times and has had notable relationships with several prominent individuals, including Faith Golding, Claudia Cohen, Patricia Duff, Ellen Barkin, and Dr. Anna Chapman. His personal life has been marked by public divorces and custody battles.

Ronald Perelman: Career Highlights

Ronald Perelman's business career is marked by a series of bold acquisitions and strategic moves. He began by assisting his father in business deals at Belmont Industries. However, he sought more power and influence, which led to a strained relationship with his father. After resigning from Belmont, he moved to New York and orchestrated the purchase of Cohen-Hatfield Jewelers. This marked the beginning of his rise in the business world.

Perelman's most notable achievement was the acquisition of MacAndrews & Forbes, a licorice extract and chocolate distributor. Despite facing resistance from management and investors, he prevailed and gained control of the company. He went on to acquire Technicolor Inc. and later sold its divisions. Perelman also purchased a stake in Compact Video Inc. and eventually gained control. He acquired New World Entertainment, which became part of Compact Video. Through restructuring and strategic moves, he transformed the company's finances and sold off non-core assets.

Perelman's business ventures extended beyond MacAndrews & Forbes. He acquired Revlon Corporation and made significant investments in various industries, including thrifts (renamed as First Gibraltar Bank), the Coleman Company, Sunbeam Products, and New World Entertainment.

Ronald Perelman: Companies

Ronald Perelman's business empire encompasses several notable companies.

MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, under his leadership, became a diversified holding company with interests in various industries. He also acquired Revlon Corporation, a prominent cosmetics company. Perelman's involvement in the entertainment industry includes New World Entertainment, which produced and distributed films and television shows.

Ronald Perelman: Major Achievements

Perelman's major achievements include the successful acquisition and transformation of MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated. He turned the company from a licorice extract and chocolate distributor into a diversified holding company with significant investments across various industries. His restructuring efforts and strategic moves brought financial success and growth to the company.

Perelman's acquisition of Revlon Corporation marked another significant achievement. He revitalized the company and restored its position as a leading player in the cosmetics industry. His business acumen and strategic decisions contributed to the company's success and profitability.

Ronald Perelman: Awards & Achievements

Ronald Perelman has received recognition for his business accomplishments. He was named "Retailer of the Year" by Discount Store News in 1989. In 2007, he was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, an organization that honors individuals who have achieved success through hard work and determination.

Ronald Perelman: Personal Life & Legacy

Perelman's personal life has been marked by multiple marriages and high-profile relationships. He has been married five times and has had notable relationships with several prominent individuals. His personal life has been subject to public scrutiny, including divorces and custody battles.

Perelman's religious beliefs have also played a significant role in his life. Raised in a Conservative Jewish household, he experienced a religious reawakening and became more observant. He strictly observes Jewish traditions and supports Jewish causes, particularly the Chabad-Lubavitch sect.

Perelman's legacy is one of business success, philanthropy, and controversy. He has made significant contributions to various political campaigns and causes, as well as educational institutions and medical research. However, he has also faced criticism for certain business practices and legal disputes.

Ronald Perelman: Trivia

Ronald Perelman owns a Mediterranean-style villa in East Hampton, Long Island.

The property experienced a significant fire, resulting in insurance claims and legal disputes.

Perelman has been involved in several legal battles throughout his career. One notable case was the Morgan Stanley lawsuit, where he alleged misrepresentation and damages related to the acquisition of Sunbeam. He won the case initially but faced setbacks on appeal.

Perelman has been accused of engaging in greenmail, a practice of buying and selling stocks to gain profit by threatening a takeover. He has also faced criticism for a deal involving Panavision, where he sold his stake at a high price to a company he controlled.

Wealth History

Timeline

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Ronald Owen Perelman assisted his father in business deals at Belmont Industries.

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Perelman strived for more power and influence at Belmont Industries, leading to a strained relationship with his father.

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Perelman resigned from Belmont Industries and moved to New York.

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Perelman orchestrated the purchase of Cohen-Hatfield Jewelers through MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated.

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Perelman acquired MacAndrews & Forbes, a licorice extract and chocolate distributor.

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Perelman faced resistance from management and investors at MacAndrews & Forbes but eventually prevailed.

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Perelman acquired Technicolor Inc. through MacAndrews & Forbes and later sold its divisions.

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Perelman purchased a stake in Compact Video Inc. through MacAndrews & Forbes and eventually gained control.

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Perelman acquired New World Entertainment through MacAndrews & Forbes, which became part of Compact Video.

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Perelman restructured the finances of MacAndrews & Forbes and sold off non-core assets.

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Perelman acquired Revlon Corporation.

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Perelman purchased thrifts and renamed them First Gibraltar Bank.

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Perelman was involved in deals with Coleman Company, Sunbeam Products, and New World Entertainment.

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Perelman filed a lawsuit against Morgan Stanley for alleged misrepresentation and damages related to the acquisition of Sunbeam.

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Perelman won the Morgan Stanley lawsuit and was awarded $1.45 billion in damages.

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The verdict in the Morgan Stanley lawsuit was overturned on appeal, and Perelman's subsequent attempts to reopen the case were unsuccessful.

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Perelman supported various political campaigns and causes through personal donations.

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Perelman made significant donations to educational institutions, including Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and the Guggenheim Museum.

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Perelman contributed to medical research and healthcare facilities.

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Perelman served on the board of directors of the Police Athletic League of New York City.

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Perelman was accused of engaging in greenmail, a practice of buying and selling stocks to gain a profit by threatening a takeover.

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Perelman faced criticism for a deal involving Panavision, where he sold his stake at a high price to a company he controlled.

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Perelman had a legal dispute with his former CFO, Fred Tepperman, over compensation and benefits.

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Perelman married five times.

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Perelman had notable relationships with Faith Golding, Claudia Cohen, Patricia Duff, Ellen Barkin, and Dr. Anna Chapman.

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Perelman experienced public divorces and custody battles.

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Perelman was raised in a Conservative Jewish household.

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Perelman had a religious reawakening and became more observant of Judaism.

N/A

Perelman strictly observes Jewish traditions and supports Jewish causes, particularly the Chabad-Lubavitch sect.

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Perelman owns a Mediterranean-style villa in East Hampton, Long Island.

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Perelman experienced a significant fire at his East Hampton property, resulting in insurance claims and legal disputes.

Ronald Perelman : FAQs

What is Ronald Perelman's current net worth?

Ronald Perelman's current net worth is $1.59 billion.

What is Ronald Perelman's current global rank among billionaires?

Ronald Perelman holds the 2451st position globally among billionaires.

What is Ronald Perelman's current ranking within the United States?

Ronald Perelman holds the 766th position in United States.

What was the change in Ronald Perelman's net worth compared to the previous year?

Ronald Perelman's net worth decreased by 22.28 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.61 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Ronald Perelman's net worth?

Ronald Perelman's net worth decreased by 3.06 million dollars recently, a 0.19% decrease, with his net worth standing at 1.59 billion dollars.

What are Ronald Perelman's main sources of wealth?

Ronald Perelman's main source of income comes from Leveraged Buyouts.

In which industry does Ronald Perelman primarily operate?

Ronald Perelman is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Ronald Perelman educational background?

Ronald Perelman holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania from The Wharton School.

How old is Ronald Perelman?

Ronald Perelman is 83 years old.

How many children does Ronald Perelman have?

Ronald Perelman has 8 children.

What were Ronald Owen Perelman's key accomplishments at Belmont Industries?

Ronald Perelman assisted his father in business deals, aimed to expand his power and influence which led to strains within the family, resigned, and relocated to New York to pursue further opportunities.

How did Ronald Perelman change MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated?

Perelman orchestrated the purchase of Cohen-Hatfield Jewelers, acquired MacAndrews & Forbes and later companies like Technicolor Inc. and Compact Video Inc., which he restructured, focusing on core assets.

What was the outcome of Ronald Perelman's lawsuit against Morgan Stanley?

Ronald Perelman won the lawsuit against Morgan Stanley, receiving $1.45 billion in damages, but the verdict was overturned on appeal and subsequent attempts to reopen the case were unsuccessful.

In which philanthropic efforts has Ronald Perelman been involved?

Perelman has supported political campaigns, made substantial donations to educational and medical institutions, served on the board of the Police Athletic League of NYC, and more, despite facing controversies.

Can you describe Ronald Perelman's personal life and religious background?

Perelman has been married five times with notable spouses, has been involved in public legal matters, was raised in a Conservative Jewish household, had a religious revival, and strictly adheres to Jewish customs.