History of George Lindemann in Timeline

George Lyle Lindemann was an American billionaire businessman, primarily recognized as the chairman and CEO of Southern Union, a company focused on fossil fuel infrastructure and pipelines. Beyond his energy sector involvement, Lindemann also held ownership of 19 Spanish-language radio stations. Further demonstrating his diverse interests and influence, he served as the vice president of the Metropolitan Opera Association in New York City, highlighting his engagement with the arts and cultural institutions.

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Full Timeline

March 26, 1936: George Lindemann Born

On March 26, 1936, George Lyle Lindemann was born. He later became known as an American billionaire businessman, chairman and CEO of Southern Union, owner of Spanish-language radio stations, and vice president of the Metropolitan Opera Association.

1936: Birth in New York City

In 1936, George Lindemann was born in New York City to a Jewish family.

1957: Career Begins with Father's Business

In 1957, George Lindemann started his career at The Nestle-LeMur, his father's cosmetics and hair care company.

1962: President of Smith, Miller and Patch

In 1962, George Lindemann became the president of Smith, Miller and Patch, a pharmaceutical company, a position he held until 1972.

1971: Sells Permalens to Cooper Labs

In 1971, George Lindemann sold Permalens, his family's eye-care company which developed the first permanent-wear soft contact lens, to Cooper Labs for $75 million.

1972: Founds Vision Cable

In 1972, George Lindemann founded Vision Cable, a cable TV firm.

1982: Managing Partner of Activated Communications Limited Partnership

In 1982, George Lindemann became the managing general partner of Activated Communications Limited Partnership.

1989: Cartier Masterworks Exhibit

In 1989, seventy objects from the George and Frayda Lindemann Collection were presented in the exhibit "Cartier masterworks From The George and Frayda Lindemann Collection" at the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore.

1989: Reflections of Elegance exhibit

In 1989, the San Diego Museum of Art featured pieces from the Lindemann Collection in a show entitled “Reflections of Elegance: Cartier Jewels from the Lindemann Collection”.

1990: Acquires Southern Union

In 1990, George Lindemann acquired struggling natural gas pipeline company Southern Union through Metro Mobile for $125 million.

1991: Sells Metro Mobile to Bell Atlantic

In 1991, George Lindemann sold his cell phone company, Metro Mobile, to Bell Atlantic for $2.5 billion.

1999: Collection Monograph

In 1999, the Lindemann collection was the focus of a monograph published by the New Orleans Museum of Art.

2008: Palm Beach House Sold

In 2008, George Lindemann, who lived in Palm Beach, Florida, sold his house there.

2008: Looted Art Allegations

In 2008, art experts and archaeologists stated that some of the Khmer artworks in George Lindemann's collection were "definitely looted." Photographs of his collection in a 2008 issue of Architectural Digest were identified as looted material sold by Douglas Latchford.

September 2011: Net Worth Ranking

As of September 2011, George Lindemann was the 736th richest person in the world, and the 220th richest in the US, with an estimated wealth of US$2.1 billion.