Early Life and Education
Lauren Leichtman was born in Los Angeles in 1949. Her upbringing was marked by her parents' divorce when she was young, instilling in her a drive for self-sufficiency. She worked various jobs, including bank teller and waitress, while pursuing her education. Leichtman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Southwestern University School of Law, and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Columbia Law School, specializing in securities law.
Rise to Success
Leichtman began her career with a law practice. In 1984, she co-founded Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) with her husband, Arthur Levine. LLCP focuses on middle-market companies. The firm's investment strategy involves structured equity, using a mix of debt and equity to fund companies. This approach allowed founders to maintain ownership and long-term involvement in their businesses. Leichtman's leadership at LLCP has led to significant returns on investments.
Key Business Strategies
LLCP's strategy involved identifying and investing in companies with revenues between $50 million and $250 million. The firm has invested in numerous sectors, including consumer products, franchises, and healthcare. Leichtman and Levine also focused on recession-proof investments. The firm's success has resulted in over 80 successful exits and a strong track record in the private equity sector.
Philanthropy
Leichtman and her husband are actively involved in philanthropy. They established the Lauren B. Leichtman & Arthur E. Levine Family Foundation, which supports education, women's health, the arts, and space exploration. Notable donations include a $1 million pledge to Southwestern Law School for business law scholarships and mentorships. They have also supported UCLA with donations to its soccer program, and endowed chairs in women's health and astrophysics.