Former President George W. Bush, brought a smile to faces at Carlyle Group’s annual meeting last week. Our spies tell us “Dubya” put on an altogether friendly, light-hearted keynote speech talking about family and life post most-powerful-man-in-the-world.W. had an impact on several of Carlyle's air travel affiliates. He served as a board member for CaterAir, back when airlines provided catering to the whole plane, not just first class. W.'s rendition practices were rumored to boost the bottom line for Carlyle affiliate Landmark Aviation, which Carlyle just round-tripped for over $2 billion. Lots to yuck-yuck about between W. and Carlyle's PEU boys.
It’s not clear how much the former president commands for his keynote presence, though several media reports pegged it between $100,000 and $175,000. Sources tell us George W. also was the featured speaker at this year’s annual meetings for Blackstone Group and Vista Equity Partners. No one from Blackstone or Vista returned requests for comment.
Don't forget W. let the Bin Ladens fly home after Carlyle's 2001 investor meeting when virtually everyone else was grounded. W. earned this invite a long time ago.
