David Bonderman, the lawyer turned private equity pioneer, has died at age 82.
In the early 1990s, Bonderman co-founded Texas Pacific Group and led the buyout of Continental Airlines. That deal cemented his status as a turnaround tycoon, putting put him to a class of financiers, such as Henry Kravis and Stephen Schwarzman, who were bold enough to acquire some of the biggest companies in the US.
Bonderman came into the world of high-stakes private equity buyouts from an unconventional route after first making his name as a lawyer and preservationist.
In a statement, Bonderman’s children said: “We are all grateful for having experienced his wisdom, wit, generosity, and love. His zest for life, and his passions, especially sports and music, were infectious.”
