Martin Peretz Net Worth: The Wealth Behind The New Republic’s Controversial Publisher
While exact figures aren’t public, logical estimates put Martin Peretz’s net worth around $100 million. This reflects decades of financial contributions to and ownership of The New Republic, hedge fund investments, and inherited wealth.
The Origin of His Wealth
1. The New Republic (TNR) Ownership
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Purchased in 1974 for $380,000, largely funded by his wife, Anne Farnsworth Peretz—an heir to Singer Sewing Machine wealth.
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Peretz personally subsidized TNR for decades, reportedly covering yearly deficits into the seven-figure range.
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Despite selling majority and full stakes between 2002 and 2012 to financiers like CanWest, and later Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, Peretz held significant equity and influence.
2. Hedge Fund & Investment Ventures
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Co-founded TheStreet.com (1996) with Jim Cramer and invested in his Crimson hedge fund—spurred by millions in private capital.
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Early and strategic investments in digital media ventures like TNR and TheStreet.com likely yielded substantial returns.
3. Personal & Family Wealth
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Married into a powerful legacy via his wife’s Singer fortune.
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Accumulated capital through asset sales (including TNR real estate) and investment management.
Wealth Trajectory & Key Financial Events
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1974–2002: Peretz’s private funding supported TNR and hedge fund partnerships.
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2002–2007: Sold two-thirds of TNR to fund managers, reducing his capital outlay.
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2007: Offloaded remaining shares to CanWest amid rising costs
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2009: Reacquired TNR stake before then selling majority control to Chris Hughes in 2012.
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2010s–2020s: No longer financially responsible for TNR, but likely retained substantial equity in the magazine and related real estate.
Conservative Estimate of Net Worth
Category |
Estimated Value |
TNR stake + real estate |
$30–60 million |
Hedge fund & other assets |
$30–50 million |
Personal & inherited wealth |
$10–20 million |
Total |
~$100 million |
Impact & Legacy
Peretz’s net worth isn’t just a financial scoreboard—it supported The New Republic through its cultural and ideological peaks. His investments enabled a magazine that shaped political discourse for decades. Even after selling, his legacy continues via TNR’s residential and corporate assets, as well as digital media spin-offs.
His story intertwines wealth, influence, and controversy—highlighting how capital can sustain a media legacy even amid editorial tumult.
Final Takeaway
Martin Peretz’s estimated $100 million net worth stems from strategic investments, inherited wealth, and decades of funding The New Republic. His legacy is a testament to how financial backing can mold a cultural institution—though not without ideological cost.