In the sports and entertainment industry, Robert Kraft is most popularly known for his ownership of the New England Patriots, a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL). He purchased the team in 1994 and has since transformed it into a perennial contender and one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. However, outside of football, Robert Kraft also owns several other businesses that may come as a surprise to some. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the businesses that are part of The Kraft Group’s extensive portfolio.
The Background of Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft is an American businessman and entrepreneur who is best known for his involvement in the sports industry. Born on June 5th, 1941 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Kraft started his career in business at a young age, eventually becoming the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, a diversified holding company with interests in a wide range of industries.
In addition to his role in the Kraft Group, Robert Kraft is also the proud owner of several professional sports teams. He is the chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group, which owns the New England Patriots, a professional football team in the National Football League (NFL). Under his leadership, the Patriots have become one of the most successful teams in NFL history, winning multiple Super Bowls.
Kraft also owns the New England Revolution, a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS). He was one of the founding members of MLS and has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of the league.
Apart from his involvement in sports, Robert Kraft is also a strong philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes. In 2011, he established the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem, which serves as a venue for several youth and community programs and events.
Throughout his career, Robert Kraft has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to sports, business, and philanthropy. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Genesis Prize, an award recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the world’s Jewish community.
Overall, Robert Kraft’s background and career are a testament to his passion for business, sports, and philanthropy, making him one of the most respected and influential individuals in the world today.
Robert Kraft is a well-known businessman in the United States and has been the owner of multiple sports franchises. This article will focus on the sports franchises owned by Robert Kraft.
Sports Franchises Owned by Robert Kraft
New England Patriots
Robert Kraft bought the New England Patriots, an American football team in the National Football League (NFL), in 1994. Since then, the team has had great success under his leadership, winning six Super Bowl championships, 11 Conference championships, and 21 Division championships. The team plays their home games at Gillette Stadium, which was also built under Kraft’s ownership.
New England Revolution
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Along with the Patriots, Robert Kraft also owns the New England Revolution, a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS). He bought the team in 1995 and they have played their home games at Gillette Stadium since its opening in 2002. The team has participated in several MLS Cups and has been consistently competitive over the years.
Boston Uprising
In 2018, Robert Kraft bought the Boston Uprising, a professional esports team that competes in the Overwatch League. The team represents the city of Boston and participates in various tournaments organized by the league.
Summary
Robert Kraft is the owner of the New England Patriots, one of the most successful American football teams in the NFL, and the New England Revolution, an accomplished soccer team in Major League Soccer. Additionally, he owns the Boston Uprising, an esports team that competes in the Overwatch League.
Media Ventures Owned by Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft is not only an influential businessman and philanthropist but also a media mogul. A closer look at his media ventures:
- Kraft Group media division: The Kraft Group runs a media division that owns and operates various print, digital, and broadcast media assets. One of its most prominent holdings is privately held Worcester Telegram & Gazette, a daily newspaper serving Central Massachusetts. It also owns a 50% interest in New England Cable News (NECN), a regional cable news network that covers around 3.8 million homes in New England.
- Randall-Reilly: Kraft acquired a controlling stake in the construction, trucking, and agriculture industry-focused media company, Randall-Reilly, in 2013. Headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Randall-Reilly publishes print and online magazines such as Equipment World, Aggregates Manager, Overdrive, and American Trucker. It also operates used equipment websites such as ConExpo-ConAgg-Construction.
- Boston Uprising: Robert Kraft is the owner of the Boston Uprising, one of the 20 professional esports teams competing in the Overwatch League, one of the fastest-growing esports leagues in the world. The team has a worldwide fan base and a roster of players from around the globe, including South Korea, China, the United States, and Finland.
In addition to these media ventures, Robert Kraft has also been vocal about his support for the players in the NFL and how important their social activism is for the society. The media ventures owned by him are not only profit-oriented but also provide opportunities for individuals to pursue their careers and create amazing content.
Real Estate holdings of Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft is known for being a businessman with a diverse portfolio of investments, including real estate. He holds a number of properties in various locations and sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential.
One of the most notable properties in Kraft’s real estate holdings is Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It was built in 2002 and serves as the home of the New England Patriots, which Kraft also owns. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 65,000 and hosts various sports events, concerts, and other types of entertainment.
Another notable property is the Patriot Place complex, which is an entertainment center adjacent to Gillette Stadium. It features restaurants, shops, a cinema, a hotel, and other attractions.
Aside from his sports-related holdings, Kraft also owns commercial and industrial properties in Massachusetts and New York. In Massachusetts, these include a 10-story office building in Boston’s Back Bay area, as well as several properties in Newton and Needham. In New York, he owns a shopping center in Yonkers and a logistics facility in Queens.
Kraft’s residential real estate holdings include a number of properties in Massachusetts, Florida, and California. These include a waterfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, which he purchased for around $20 million in 2015.
Overall, Robert Kraft’s real estate holdings demonstrate his shrewd business sense and ability to diversify his investments across different sectors and regions.
Robert Kraft’s Philanthropic Works
Beyond his contributions to the business world, Robert Kraft has also been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts throughout his career. One of his most significant contributions has been to healthcare, an area that has particular importance to him as a survivor of prostate cancer.
Kraft and his late wife, Myra Hiatt Kraft, were generous philanthropists and donated more than $100 million to various charitable causes over the course of their lives. The couple made significant donations to medical organizations such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world-renowned cancer center based in Boston, Massachusetts. In recognition of their contributions, the Kraft family’s name can be found on the Kraft Family National Center for Leadership and Training in Cancer Care at the Institute.
In addition to their work in healthcare, the Kraft family has also been active in education. They have supported various educational organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and have established scholarships for high school students in both Massachusetts and Israel.
Robert Kraft has also contributed to charitable causes through his team, the New England Patriots. The team hosts an annual fundraiser called “The Patriots Charity Gala,” which has raised millions of dollars for organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the American Cancer Society, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Furthermore, Robert Kraft has made significant contributions to his alma mater, Columbia University. In 2012, Kraft donated $5 million to the school to establish the Robert K. Kraft Family Center for Jewish Student Life. The center aims to provide a welcoming and engaging space for Columbia’s Jewish community, supporting their academic and social connections on campus.
Overall, Robert Kraft’s philanthropic efforts have made a substantial impact on a variety of causes, including medical research, education, and community programs. His dedication to giving back has inspired others to contribute as well, and his charitable works will continue to be felt for generations to come.
The Evolution of Robert Kraft’s Business Dealings
Robert Kraft, a businessman and entrepreneur, has had a very successful career in a variety of different industries. His business ventures began in 1972 when he founded and became the president of International Forest Products. He started the company with the aim of trading paper commodities in various countries globally and expanding the company to other business areas.
In 1986, Kraft diversified his business interests and purchased the New England Patriots – an American football team of the National Football League (NFL). The team had been struggling both on and off the field, but Kraft turned the team into a valuable and profitable organization. As the owner of the Patriots, Kraft has led the team to six Super Bowl championships, nine conference titles, and 17 division championships.
In addition to the Patriots, Kraft owns a soccer team, the New England Revolution. He purchased the team back in 1996 along with the rights to establish a Major League Soccer team in the New England region.
Kraft also has extensive investments in the entertainment industry. He owns an entertainment company in Los Angeles known as Kraft Group Entertainment, which has collaborated with several established names within the film industry.
In 2002, Kraft started The Kraft Group, LLC, a holding company that has interests in different sectors, including sports, real estate, and manufacturing. The company includes divisions that include the Rand-Whitney Containerboard division, Rand-Whitney Recycling division, Kraft Analytics, Kraft Sports and Entertainment, and the New England Revolution.
Over the years, Kraft has diversified his investment portfolios to include various other industries such as finance, healthcare, and hospitality. He has demonstrated his business acumen by expanding his business interests and forming strategic alliances with other companies to increase his reach and profitability.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Established International Forest Products |
| 1986 | Purchased the New England Patriots |
| 1996 | Purchased the New England Revolution |
| 2002 | Established The Kraft Group, LLC |
Overall, Robert Kraft has demonstrated a shrewd business sense throughout his career. He continues to invest in new ventures and grow his existing businesses, establishing a reputation as a highly successful businessman within the industry.
The mergers and acquisitions involving Robert Kraft’s businesses have been a notable part of his entrepreneurial journey. Here’s a closer look at some of the deals that have impacted the New England Patriots owner’s business legacy:
Mergers:
In 1998, The Gillette Company merged with Boston-based Duracell International Inc, becoming one of the most significant deals in the history of both companies. Kraft, who was serving as a Gillette board member, reportedly played a significant role in sealing the merger.
Similarly, in 2015, Kraft announced a merger between his paper-manufacturing firm, International Forest Products, and a Canadian company named Meridian, creating a new entity known as “The Kraft Group LLC.” With the merger, Kraft consolidated a wide range of businesses, including paper manufacturing, recycling, and packaging, under a single umbrella.
##Acquisitions:
Kraft’s acquisition spree, which began in the 1970s, has helped him build a diversified business empire that includes sports, media, real estate, and manufacturing.
In 1994, he purchased a USFL (United States Football League) franchise, which eventually led him to acquire the New England Patriots, a professional football team, in 1995. The team has since become a dominant force in the NFL, winning six Super Bowl titles.
In 2000, Kraft took control of the Rand-Whitney Group, a corrugated box manufacturer, through a $200 million deal. In the same year, he also purchased the Bank of Boston’s former headquarters located in Boston’s Financial District and converted it into a mixed-use development that includes office space, retail stores, and high-end residences.
In 2013, Kraft acquired a controlling interest in the New England Revolution soccer team, and, two years later, he acquired the Boston-based esports startup Team ELEAGUE.
In conclusion, Robert Kraft’s reputation as a shrewd businessman is indisputable, thanks in large part to his many mergers and acquisitions. His acquisitions of the Patriots and the Rand-Whitney Group, in particular, have transformed him into a renowned NFL owner and a significant player in the manufacturing space.
The Impact of Robert Kraft on the Business World
Robert Kraft’s impact on the business world is undeniable. His impressive entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to become one of the most successful businessmen in the United States. In this section, we will explore the ways that Robert Kraft has influenced and changed the business world.
Charity Work
Robert Kraft is a well-known philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various charities, particularly those focused on health and education. Through his charitable contributions, he has positively impacted many people’s lives, and his generosity has inspired others to give back to their communities.
Sports Industry
Robert Kraft’s most notable ownership role is the New England Patriots, one of the most successful NFL franchises of all time. Under his leadership, the team has won multiple Super Bowls and cemented its place in the history of American sports. Additionally, he also owns the New England Revolution, a successful Major League Soccer team. His ownership of these two teams has revitalized the sports industry in the New England area and has brought a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm to local sports fans.
Media
Robert Kraft is also a successful media mogul. He owns the New England Cable News network, as well as numerous radio stations and newspapers throughout the country. His media ventures have helped to provide a voice for underrepresented communities and have given a platform for important social and political issues.
Real Estate
Through his company, the Kraft Group, Robert Kraft has also become a successful real estate developer. His company has developed many large-scale commercial and residential projects throughout the United States. His focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly building methods has also helped to create a better future for the planet.
In conclusion, Robert Kraft’s impact on the business world has been profound. Through his philanthropic work, sports ownership, media ventures, and real estate development, he has helped to change the country’s economic landscape. His entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and dedication to improving the world around him are inspiring to many.
In recent years, Robert Kraft’s businesses have faced a number of legal troubles. Some of these issues have resulted in lawsuits and criminal charges. Here are some of the most notable legal challenges faced by Kraft’s businesses:
Police Investigations
In 2019, police investigated several massage parlors in Florida as part of a human trafficking sting. Robert Kraft was one of the high-profile individuals charged with soliciting prostitution as a result of the investigation. Kraft pleaded not guilty to the charges but issued a public apology for his involvement in the matter. The incident led to calls for him to step down from his position as the owner of the New England Patriots.
Copyright Infringement
In 2018, Robert Kraft’s music publishing company, Kraft Group LLC, was sued for copyright infringement by a songwriter who claimed that a song by one of Kraft’s artists had copied his work. The lawsuit alleged that Kraft Group LLC had knowingly allowed the use of the allegedly infringing material and sought damages for the unauthorized use of the song.
Environmental Violations
In 2014, Robert Kraft’s paper company, New England Converting Company, was fined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for violating environmental regulations. The company had been accused of releasing harmful pollutants into the air and failing to properly dispose of waste. The company paid a penalty of $67,500 and was required to take corrective actions to address the violations.
Anti-Trust Lawsuit
In 2013, Kraft Group LLC was sued by a food distribution company for alleged anti-trust violations. The company claimed that Kraft Group LLC had made it difficult for competitors to enter the marketplace and had engaged in anti-competitive practices. The lawsuit sought damages for lost business and unfair practices.
These legal challenges have brought negative publicity to Robert Kraft’s businesses, but they have also served as an opportunity for him to address issues and make changes to improve operations. Despite these challenges, Kraft remains a prominent figure in the world of sports and business.
Here’s the conclusion section for the article “What Businesses Does Robert Kraft Own?”:
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Kraft is a successful businessman who owns several businesses in a range of industries. From sports teams to paper and packaging manufacturing, he has demonstrated an impressive ability to diversify his investments and generate significant returns.
Through his ownership of the New England Patriots, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the sports world, and he has also become a major philanthropist through his work with the Kraft Family Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes.
Overall, Robert Kraft’s impact can be felt in both the business and social spheres, and he continues to be one of the most influential figures in his field.
