Henry Kravis

Co-founder of buyout firm KKR circumventing stymied public offering. In July KKR announced plans to go public in U.S. via merger with European affiliate; when complete, company could be worth as much as $15 billion. Firm manages $60 billion. Annual gross returns: 26.1%. Created firm 1976. Used junk bonds to buy underperforming companies, streamline operations, flip for profit. Most famous for $25 billion buyout of RJR Nabisco 1989. Kravis owns large art collection.