Five Michigan firms make Forbes' list of largest privately held companies in U.S.

The Grand Rapids Press reports that five Michigan companies made Forbes' list of the largest privately held firms in the United States.

According to excerpts from the story:

Meijer, Amway, Gordon Food Service, Guardian Industries and International Automotive components again made the annual Forbes list of largest privately held companies.

At No. 13, Walker-based superstore operator Meijer Inc. was the top Michigan company on the list, with Forbes estimating revenue of $14.63 billion in 2011. The company had been ranked 15th last year. Founded in Greenville in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer, the company grew into a Midwestern powerhouse under the leadership of his son, Fredrick, who helped define the concept of the modern one-stop-shop superstore. Fredrick Meijer died Friday at age 91. His sons, Doug and Hank, still lead the company.

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