As a New York coroner investigates the cause of his death, the Lee family claims he was in charge of investing more than $15 billion in the capital throughout his career.
A billionaire financier regarded as a pioneer of private equity investment was discovered dead in his New York office, reportedly by suicide.
The 78-year-old Thomas (Tom) H Lee’s family verified his passing, but the New York Police Department (NYPD) had not yet confirmed his identity or the cause of his death.
He was discovered deceased in his office at the headquarters of his investment firm, Lee Equity, on Thursday morning, according to police sources cited by the New York Post.
The paper added that the cause of death was a “self-inflicted firearm wound” according to the sources.
The US media reported no indications of poor health or financial difficulties. And the police did not indicate that a homicide investigation was underway.
The NYPD stated in its official response that the city medical examiner would ascertain the cause and manner of death.
Relatives issued the following statement: “The family is devastated by Tom’s passing.
“Our souls are broken. We request respect for our privacy and permission to lament.”
He was considered a pioneer of leveraged buyouts. Which involve the acquisition of another company using a substantial amount of borrowed funds to cover the acquisition costs.
Mr. Lee founded Thomas H. Lee Partners in 1974 and served as chairman and CEO before founding Lee Equity in 2006.
According to his family, he was responsible for investing over $15 billion (£12.5 billion) of capital in hundreds of transactions. Including the acquisition and subsequent sale of Snapple Beverages and Warner Music
