Bain & Co. Founder, Romney Mentor, William Bain Jr. Dies

BOSTON (AP) — William Bain Jr., who founded global consulting and private equity businesses and helped drive the career of former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, has died.

Bain died at his home in Naples, Florida, on Tuesday according to his obituary.

The death was confirmed Thursday by a spokesman for Boston-based Bain & Co. He was 80.

No cause of death was given.

He founded Bain & Co., a corporate strategy consulting firm in 1973 and then in 1984 founded private equity firm Bain Capital.

Romney became Bain Capital's top executive.

Romney said in a statement to The Boston Globe that "It's hard for me to imagine my life and career without Bill Bain's mentoring."

Bain, a native of Tennessee, is survived by his wife and four children.

Memorial services are pending.

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