It is easier to get rich than to stay rich. That, at least, is the lesson of the Forbes 400 list, the 2007 update of which was published this week.
Forbes 400 list| Year | Networth of lowest on list
Admission price ($m) | Combined networth
($m) |
|---|
| 1997 | 475 | 624 |
| 1998 | 500 | 738 |
| 1999 | 625 | 1,038 |
| 2000 | 725 | 1,198 |
| 2001 | 600 | 946 |
| 2002 | 550 | 872 |
| 2003 | 600 | 955 |
| 2004 | 750 | 1,002 |
| 2005 | 900 | 1,125 |
| 2006 | 1,000 | 1,254 |
| 2007 | 1,300 | 1,540 |
| Source: Forbes |
Nearly half of the 45 new entrants to the list, which ranks the richest Americans, are involved in private equity or hedge funds. David Bonderman and James Coulter of Texas Pacific Group, Blackstone’s Peter Peterson and Tony James and the three founders of Carlyle Group join less familiar new names such as the Fertitta brothers, who have made a fortune from the televised Ultimate Fighting Championship. How long, though, will these new members hang on to their wealth?
LEX 
