Quick Facts: McGraw Hill
| Owner | Platinum Equity |
| Key Figure | Tom Gores (Founder & CEO, Platinum Equity) |
| Ownership Type | Private (private equity owned) |
| Acquisition | 2021 (from Springer Nature, ~$4.5 billion) |
| Headquarters | New York City, New York, USA |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Known For | K–12, higher education, and professional textbooks and digital learning |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns McGraw Hill?
McGraw Hill is owned by Platinum Equity, a Beverly Hills-based private equity firm founded and led by Tom Gores. Platinum Equity completed its acquisition of McGraw Hill in 2021, purchasing the company from Springer Nature for approximately $4.5 billion. The deal came after a planned merger between McGraw Hill and Cengage Learning was blocked by U.S. antitrust regulators in 2020. Platinum Equity’s ownership gives McGraw Hill the private capital to continue its strategic shift toward digital learning platforms alongside its traditional textbook publishing.
About Tom Gores and Platinum Equity
Tom Gores is an Iraqi-American billionaire businessman and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Platinum Equity, a global private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California. Platinum Equity manages tens of billions in assets and specializes in acquiring, operating, and growing companies in complex business transitions. Tom Gores is also known in the sports world as the owner of the Detroit Pistons (NBA), which he acquired in 2011. His dual role as a private equity titan and sports team owner makes him one of the more prominent figures in American business and sports circles.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Platinum Equity acquired McGraw Hill in 2021 for approximately $4.5 billion after the McGraw Hill–Cengage merger was blocked by U.S. antitrust regulators in 2020.
- McGraw Hill was founded in 1888 and is one of the most storied names in American educational publishing.
- Under Platinum Equity, McGraw Hill has continued its digital transformation, investing in online learning tools alongside traditional print textbooks.
- Tom Gores, Platinum Equity’s founder and CEO, is also the owner of the Detroit Pistons (NBA).
- McGraw Hill is not publicly traded and operates as a private company under Platinum Equity’s ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns McGraw Hill?
McGraw Hill is owned by Platinum Equity, a Beverly Hills-based private equity firm led by Tom Gores. The acquisition was completed in 2021.
How much did Platinum Equity pay for McGraw Hill?
Platinum Equity acquired McGraw Hill from Springer Nature for approximately $4.5 billion in 2021.
Is McGraw Hill publicly traded?
No. McGraw Hill is a privately held company under Platinum Equity’s ownership and is not listed on any stock exchange.
Who is Tom Gores?
Tom Gores is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Platinum Equity. He is also the owner of the Detroit Pistons (NBA) and is one of the wealthiest private equity investors in the United States.