Carl Lindner, Jr.

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Carl Lindner, Jr. (born 1919 in Dayton, Ohio) is a successful Cincinnati businessman and is among the world's richest people. According to the 2006 issue of Forbes Magazine's 400 list, which lists the 400 richest people in America, he was ranked 133 and was worth an estimated $2.3 billion^[1]. He helped to expand his family's ice cream business into United Dairy Farmers, a large chain of convenience stores in Cincinnati, Ohio. With his three sons, he controls roughly 42% of American Financial Group, an insurance company. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Chiquita Brands International.

Lindner was a part owner and Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati Reds until he sold a majority interest to a group led by Robert Castellini on November 2, 2005 and stepped down as CEO. At the time it was announced that Lindner would remain an active partner in the organization ^[2].

[edit] Philanthropy

Lindner has donated a great deal to many charitable causes and political campaign funds. In addition, the Lindner family has supported several Cincinnati private schools, including Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, which was founded by the Lindners, and Cincinnati Country Day School. Also, Mr. Lindner generously supports the Carl H. Lindner Honors-PLUS program within the University of Cincinnati's College of Business. His Great American Insurance Company was once the title sponsor of the prestigious Cincinnati Masters tennis tournament.^[3]

[edit] Republican financial support

Carl Lindner and his family have been strong supporters of the Republican Party for quite some time. During the 2004 election cycle, the Lindner family contributed tens of thousands of dollars (funneled through each member of the family) to various Republican groups, including the Republican National Committee and several Republican politicians. A close ally of George W. Bush, Lindner secured the use of Great American Ballpark for the Bush's re-election campaign on October 31, 2004, two days before the 2004 Presidential Election.

In 2005, Lindner was among 53 entities that contributed the maximum of $250,000 to the second inauguration of President George W. Bush.^{[4] [5] [6]}

In the Republican primary race of the 2008 Presidential election, he has been a top supporter of Mitt Romney.

[edit] References