Rochester Business Journal

Thomas Golisano continues to see his wealth grow.

Two years after seeing his fortune decrease and his rank on the Forbes 400 fall, Golisano once again is rising on the annual list of the richest Americans. This year Golisano finished No. 298 with a total net worth of $1.6 billion.

Just two years ago Golisano saw his rank fall to No. 332 and his net worth sink to $1.2 billion. Last year he began to climb back, buoyed by the sale of the Buffalo Sabres for $189 million to fellow billionaire Terrence Pegula, who this year finished No. 132 on the list with a total net worth of $3 billion. In 2011 Golisano rose to No. 312 with a total net worth of $1.4 billion.

Golisano reached a total net worth of $2 billion in 2007, when he ranked No. 289.

For the 19th consecutive year, Microsoft founder William Gates topped the list. His total net worth is $66 billion, up from $59 billion in 2011.

To compile the list Forbes met with candidates and interviewed their employees, handlers, rivals, peers, attorneys and ex-spouses. The magazine also used Securities and Exchange Commission documents, court records, probate records, federal financial disclosures and web and print stories to determine assets.

All assets were included in the list—stakes in public and private companies, real estate, art, yachts, planes, ranches, vineyards, jewelry, car collections and more. Debt was factored in as well.

To see the full list, visit www.forbes.com.

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