Ronald Burkle
Ronald Wayne Burkle (born November 12, 1952) is an American business magnate, investor and philanthropist. He is co-founder and managing partner of The Yucaipa Companies, LLC, a private equity and venture capital firm that specializes in underperforming U.S. companies in the distribution, logistics, food, retail, consumer and light industrial sectors. Yucaipa has executed grocery chain mergers and acquisitions involving supermarket chains including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Jurgensen's, and owns stakes in about 35 companies including grocery chains A&P and Whole Foods Market. Burkle’s net worth is estimated at $2.9 billion. He was ranked #633 on Forbes' list of “The Richest People On The Planet 2014.” Burkle is a prominent Democratic activist and fundraiser.