The Iron Triangle: Inside the Secret World of the Carlyle Group

To the outside observer, the Carlyle Group–one of the largest private equity firms in the world–may seem like just another company trying to maneuver its way through the complex world of finance and investing. But there is more to this organization than meets the eye. With $14 billion under management, an employee roster that reads like a who’s who from the worlds of business and politics, and hundreds of defense, aerospace, telecom, and healthcare companies in its portfolio, the Carlyle Group operates within a powerful and profitable world known as the iron triangle–a place where industry, government, and the military converge.

But, for the Carlyle Group, doing business at the murky intersection of Washington politics, national security, and private capital has come at a price. According to some, the Carlyle Group is a company that epitomizes corporate cronyism, conflicts of interest, and war profiteering–and they may be right.

In The Iron Triangle: Inside the Secret World of the Carlyle Group, award-winning business journalist Dan Briody closely examines the dealings of this group and explores the high-powered individuals who make up a company which is enigmatically self-described as "a vast interlocking global network." You’ll go inside the Carlyle Group and watch how deals are made and governments swayed to accept the Carlyle way. And you’ll learn how questions abound when you’re playing for keeps.

Witness how the Carlyle Group:

• Profited from the September 11th terrorist attacks and continues to profit from the ongoing war on terrorism
• Pried open the wallets of Saudi Arabia and South Korea through the whirlwind business trips of former President George Bush
• Liquidated holdings from the estranged family of Osama bin Laden only after news reports revealed the company’s association with the family
• Went into overdrive to save the outdated Crusader howitzer which was being built by United Defense–a Carlyle company
• Was born through the Great Eskimo Tax Scam–a tax loophole used by cofounders Stephen Norris and David Rubenstein that has since been sewn up
• Found what would become their identity–defense contracting–with the help of former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci

Full of clandestine meetings, quid pro quo deals, bitter ironies, and petty jealousies, The Iron Triangle is a penetrating investigation that will lead you into a world that few could ever imagine.

Described by its own marketing literature as "a vast, interlocking, global network of businesses and investment professionals," the Carlyle Group, one of the largest defense contractors in the world, first entered the American consciousness with an article by Briody detailing the connections of the company to the Bush administration and other shady characters, including Bush Sr., Donald Rumsfeld, Bush campaign manager James Baker, former British prime minister John Major, former CIA official Frank Carlucci, international arms dealer Adnan Kashoggi, and the Bin Laden family. Here, he expands the story of how a revolving door of political influence around the world has allowed the company to parlay its investments in heavily regulated industries into global power. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This penetrating investigation of the Carlyle Group connects the dots inside the increasingly sophisticated labyrinth of government, military, and corporate greed. Journalist Briody tells the world who is really behind the curtain when it comes to the government and how they are getting away with it.

This title tells the story of a company at the nexus of big business, government and defence that epitomizes corporate cronyism. Journalist Dan Briody tells the world who is really behind the curtain when it comes to the US government and how they are getting away with it.

A penetrating look at the company at the nexus of big business, government, and defense

The Carlyle Group is one of the largest private equity firms in the world with over $13 billion in funds. Carlyle's investments include everything from defense contractors to telecommunications and aerospace companies. But there is more to this company than meets the eye. Carlyle's executives include heavyweights from the worlds of business and politics, such as former secretary of defense and CIA deputy director Frank Carlucci, former secretary of state James Baker III, former President George Bush, former UK Prime Minister John Major, and former chairman of the SEC Arthur Levitt. Osama Bin Laden's estranged family was personally invested in the group until recently. In The Iron Triangle, journalist Dan Briody examines a company at the nexus of big business, government, and defense that, according to some sources, epitomizes corporate cronyism, conflicts of interest, and war profiteering. This fascinating examination leads readers into a w orld that few can imagine-full of clandestine meetings, quid pro quo deals, bitter ironies, and pettyjealousies. And the cast of characters includes some of the most powerful men in the world. Strap in, because this ride could get a little bumpy.

Dan Briody (New York, NY) is an award-winning business journalist whose Red Herring article "Carlyle's Way" broke the story on the inner workings of the Carlyle Group. Briody has appeared on numerous radio and television programs covering the Carlyle Group and has become a primary source for other journalists covering this story. Briody's articles have appeared in Forbes, Red Herring, and the Industry Standard.

Dan Briody (New York, NY) is an award-winning business journalist whose Red Herring article Carlyle's Way broke the story on the inner workings of the Carlyle Group. Briody has appeared on numerous radio and television programs covering the Carlyle Group and has become a primary source for other journalists covering this story. Briody's articles have appeared in Forbes, Red Herring, and the Industry Standard.

Foreword.

Time Line.

Cast of Characters.

Prologue—Meet the Carlyle Group.

1. The Politician, the Businessman, and the Unlucky Eskimos.

2. Craterair.

3. Mr. Clean

4. Carlucci's Connections.

5. Getting Defensive.

6. An Arabian White Knight.

7. Vinnell's Executive Mercenaries.

8. Out of the Shadows.

9. Breaking the Bank.

10. Buying Bush.

11. Family Business.

12. Big Guns.

13. 9/11/01.

Epilogue.

Afterword.

Appendix A. Company Capsules.

Appendix B. Carlyle Correspondences.

Acknowledgments.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Index.