Raymond Perelman: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Raymond Perelman’s Profile Summary

Company	RGP Holdings
Position	Founder, Chairman, and CEO of RGP Holdings, a self-employed business entity.
Source of wealth	Perelman's wealth was primarily derived from buying and selling factories, as well as investments in manufacturing, mining, and financial companies through RGP Holdings
Also known as	Philanthropist, Industrialist.
Years of life	22.08.1917 - 17.01.2019
Education	University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School – Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Family	Raymond Perelman was married to Ruth Perelman, and they had two sons, Ronald Perelman and Jeffrey Perelman.
Website, Social Media	https://rgp.com/

Raymond Perelman’s biography

Raymond G. Perelman (August 22, 1917 – January 14, 2019) was a prominent American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He was born in Philadelphia to Lithuanian immigrant parents and studied at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1940. He initially worked for his father’s company, American Paper Products, before venturing into his own business acquisitions. In the 1960s, he purchased Belmont Iron Works, a major steel fabricator in the Northeast. Over his long career, Perelman became known for buying and selling factories, leading to significant success in manufacturing and mining. Beyond his business acumen, he was a noted philanthropist, contributing hundreds of millions to educational, medical, and cultural institutions, including a record $225 million donation to the University of Pennsylvania, which renamed its medical school in his honor. Perelman’s legacy is strongly tied to his impact on the Philadelphia community and his significant charitable contributions. He passed away at 101, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in both business and philanthropy.

How did Raymond Perelman make money?

Raymond Perelman makes money in the following areas:

Perelman's wealth was primarily derived from buying and selling factories, as well as investments in manufacturing, mining, and financial companies through RGP Holdings
What is Raymond Perelman net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Raymond Perelman’s net worth.

What is Raymond Perelman also known as?

Raymond Perelman was widely known for his philanthropy. He and his wife Ruth donated hundreds of millions to various educational, medical, and cultural institutions, particularly in Philadelphia. His record-setting $225 million gift to the University of Pennsylvania led to the renaming of its medical school in his honor. Perelman was also heavily involved in industrial manufacturing, where he built his fortune by acquiring and managing factories and companies in the metals and mining sectors. His contributions to the community extended to supporting the arts, including significant donations to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Prominent achievements of Raymond Perelman

Donated $225 million to the University of Pennsylvania, named top philanthropist in Philadelphia, successfully acquired Belmont Iron Works, supported the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Kimmel Center, led numerous successful business turnarounds

What are Raymond Perelman’s key insights?

Raymond Perelman's business philosophy revolved around risk-taking and strategic acquisition. He believed that success was built on taking calculated risks, and this mindset helped him amass a fortune by acquiring undervalued industrial businesses and turning them around for profit. His philanthropic philosophy reflected a desire to give back to society, stating, "If you're productive and successful, that's what you're supposed to do." He emphasized hard work, persistence, and contributing positively to the community

Raymond Perelman’s personal life

Raymond Perelman and his wife, Ruth, were married for over 70 years until her passing in 2011. They had two sons: Ronald Perelman, a notable businessman and philanthropist, and Jeffrey Perelman, who is the CEO and founder of JEP Management Holding Company. The family has been involved in several legal disputes over the years but has continued its philanthropic legacy. Ronald is known for his high-profile business ventures and donations, while Jeffrey has kept a relatively lower profile

Useful insights

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