John Middleton
Overview
- Source of Wealth
- Tobacco
- Industry
- Food & Beverage
- Residence
- Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
- Education
- Amherst College (Bachelor of Arts/Science)Harvard University (Master of Business Administration)
- Marital Status
- Married
- Children
- 2
Biography
John Middleton made his fortune selling his family's storied tobacco business to Philip Morris' parent, Altria, in 2007 for $2.9 billion in cash.
The original business, John Middleton Inc., was founded as a small retail tobacco shop in Philadelphia in 1856 by his great-great-grandfather.
The company began manufacturing cigarettes in the 1950s and launched the Black & Mild cigar brand in 1980.
Middleton bought out his relatives' stakes in the company in 2003 for about $200 million amid tobacco lawsuits that threatened to harm the business.
Middleton has a nearly 50% stake in the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.
About
His sister sued him, claiming he cheated her out of her inheritance. Middleton objected the claims, and they reached a reported $22 million settlement.