James Goldsmith

Date of Birth: February 26, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 18, 1997

Biography

Sir James Michael Goldsmith was a prominent British-French financier, businessman, and politician. Born into a family with a rich history of entrepreneurship, Goldsmith carved out his own legacy through astute investments, innovative business strategies, and a knack for recognizing market trends. He was educated at Eton College but left early after a controversial incident. Goldsmith’s career began in pharmaceuticals, but he soon diversified into various sectors including food, publishing, and finance. He gained notoriety for his corporate raids and was often described as a corporate raider. Goldsmith’s political career saw him founding the Referendum Party in the UK, which campaigned for a referendum on Britain’s membership in the European Union. He was also a passionate environmentalist and authored several books on the subject. Goldsmith passed away in 1997, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be studied and debated.

5 Interesting Facts about James Goldsmith

1. James Goldsmith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1976 for his services to business.

2. He was a major influence on the development of the leveraged buyout (LBO) strategy in corporate finance.

3. Goldsmith was the father of Jemima Goldsmith, who was married to Pakistani cricketer and politician Imran Khan.

4. He founded the Referendum Party in 1994, which advocated for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

5. Goldsmith was a fervent environmentalist and co-authored the book “The Trap” with his nephew Edward Goldsmith, discussing the dangers of industrial civilization.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Goldsmith

1. “If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.”

2. “When you marry your mistress, you create a vacancy.”

3. “The ultimate goal of the firm is not profit but the perpetuation of its existence.”

4. “A man who marries his mistress leaves a vacancy in that position.”

5. “The environment is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, James Goldsmith’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 billion.

Children

James Goldsmith had eight children from three marriages. His children include: 1. Manes Philip Goldsmith 2. Alix Goldsmith 3. Zadig Goldsmith 4. Jemima Goldsmith 5. Ben Goldsmith 6. Isabel Goldsmith 7. Charlotte Goldsmith 8. Jethro Goldsmith