16.Forrest Mars, Jr.

Forrest Mars, Jr

Net Worth

$17 B As of September 2012

At a Glance

• Age: 81
• Source of Wealth: candy
• Residence: Big Horn, WY
• Country of Citizenship: United States
• Education: Master of Business Administration, New York University; Diploma, The Hotchkiss School; Bachelor of Arts / Science, Yale University
• Marital Status: Divorced
• Children: 7

Forbes Lists

#16 Forbes 400

#52 Forbes Billionaires 

#22 in United States

 

Profile:

Forrest Mars Jr. and his siblings, John and Jacqueline, own $33 billion (estimated sales) Mars, the world's largest candy maker thanks in part to its $23 billion acquisition of gum maker Wrigley's in 2008. Sales of Skittles, the candy Trayvon Martin was eating when he was killed, spiked in the aftermath of the shooting as people bought the chewy candies in a sign of support of him. The candy maker's other famous brands include Milky Way, M&M's, 3 Musketeers, Twix and Snickers, reportedly named for the Mars family's favorite horse. Forrest's grandfather, Frank Mars, began making chocolates in 1911 in his Tacoma, Wash. kitchen. His father, Forrest Sr., joined the company in 1929, around same time when the firm invented malt-flavored nougat that became the basis of Milky Way and Snickers; also M&M's, over 400 million of which are produced in the United States each day. Mars also owns consumer and pet food brands including Uncle Ben's Rice and Whiskas. Forrest made headlines in 2011 for protesting the construction of a Montana railroad that would have facilitated coal extraction from the state because the proposed route passed through his ranch. When his attempts to block it via legal action failed, Forrest simply bought a stake in the railroad and adjusted the route accordingly. A noted history buff and preservationist, the $23 million Mars Education Center opened at Fort Ticonderoga last summer. Forrest 's former wife, Deborah, is a Ticonderoga native.