Little Caesars is a privately held American pizza chain headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is known for its affordable “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas and fast carryout service model.
The company was founded in 1959 by Mike Ilitch and Marian Ilitch. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest pizza chains in the world, with thousands of locations across the United States and international markets.
Little Caesars operates as part of Ilitch Holdings, the Ilitch family’s privately owned business empire, which also includes major sports and entertainment assets in Detroit. The family also owns the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and the Detroit Tigers (MLB).
As of recent years, the broader Ilitch organization has been led by Denise Ilitch, Christopher Ilitch, and other members of the Ilitch family.
Ownership Status of Little Caesars (Owner of Little Caesars)
Little Caesars is privately owned. It is not publicly traded and does not have a ticker symbol on any stock exchange.
The company is owned by the Ilitch family through their holding company, Ilitch Holdings.
Ownership Breakdown
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ilitch Family | Majority (Privately Held) | Ownership held through Ilitch Holdings |
| Ilitch Holdings | Parent Company | Oversees Little Caesars and other family businesses |
Because the company is private, exact ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed.
Key Shareholder Highlights
Since Little Caesars is not a public company, it does not have institutional investors, mutual funds, or public shareholders.
Key points:
- The company remains under family control.
- It was built and expanded by Mike and Marian Ilitch.
- After Mike Ilitch passed away in 2017, leadership responsibilities transitioned to the next generation of the Ilitch family.
- Christopher Ilitch serves as CEO of Ilitch Holdings and plays a major role in overseeing Little Caesars and other family-owned operations.
The Ilitch family is also known for owning professional sports franchises such as:
- The Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- The Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Little Caesars also holds naming rights to Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Recent Developments in Ownership
There have been no major changes in ownership. Little Caesars continues to operate as a privately owned, family-controlled company under the Ilitch family umbrella.
Ownership remains stable, with no public share offerings or sales announced.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Little Caesars?
Little Caesars is owned by the Ilitch family through their holding company, Ilitch Holdings.
2. Is Little Caesars publicly traded or privately owned?
Little Caesars is privately owned and not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded Little Caesars?
The company was founded by Mike Ilitch and Marian Ilitch in 1959.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No. The company remains under the ownership and control of the Ilitch family.