In June 1978, Joe Rice and Marty Dubilier, along with two co-founders, launched a private investment firm that brought an active ownership model to the businesses it acquired.

The collective experience of the founders represented a combination of investment and operating skills which were well-suited to enhance the value of each business the Firm acquired.

The foundation of CD&R’s strategy was operational expertise and strong working relationships with management teams of acquired businesses. Kux Manufacturing, the Firm's first investment, closed in February of 1979. *

CD&R’s reputation as a reliable partner was reinforced by demonstrating sensitivity to the particular needs of sellers in transactions such as Harris Graphics in 1983, at the time the largest ever corporate divestiture accomplished through a buyout structure, and Uniroyal in 1985, * where the Firm played the “white knight” by helping fend off a hostile activist investor.

CD&R cemented its role as a business builder and catalyst for constructive change with the acquisition of IBM's printer and supplies business in 1991, creating what would become Lexmark International. *   

In the early 2000s, CD&R expanded its operating resources, global footprint, and depth of industry experience, recruiting distinguished corporate leaders from the consumer/retail, healthcare, industrials, business services, and technology sectors. The Firm also built up its European capabilities in its London office, which was opened in 1998. 

CD&R has not wavered from its objective to provide strategic capital to build great businesses in partnership with corporations, families, founders, and other owners.  This vision is as clear and compelling today as it was when the Firm first opened its doors.