Tom Gores

Tom Gores' sale of $350 million Fiberglass Company 3B capped off an active year for the Michigan native's buyout firm Platinum Equity. He sold off the San Diego Union Tribune in December and bought a shipping company and a digital imaging firm. Gores' highest profile achievement was in April 2011 when he became the new owner of the NBA's Detroit Pistons after buying Palace Sports & Entertainment from the Davidson family for $325 million. The Michigan State alum started in the buyout business with brother Alec. Platinum Equity has made more than 100 acquisitions since its founding in 1995. He is placed at 521st rank and his net worth is $2.4 billion.