A popular attraction at SeaWorld Orlando (photo by Kenn Stearns)

The Blackstone Group, L.P. was founded in 1985 and over the last 25 years has evolved into one of the largest global private equity investment firms. The company has four primary business segments:

• Corporate private equity – six funds totaling $36+ billion
• Real estate – $28 billion in a series of funds
• Marketable alternative asset management – includes the acquisition of GSO Capital Partners
• Financial advisory – clients include AIG, Comcast, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Sony, and Verizon.

In October 2009, Blackstone acquired Busch Entertainment Corporation for $2.7 billion. When the acquisition was completed three months later Blackstone changed the company name to SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, which in 2009 was the fifth largest amusement park operator in the world.