Early Life and Education
Michael Anthony Ashcroft was born on March 4, 1946, in Chichester, West Sussex, England. His father was a British colonial civil servant, leading to Ashcroft spending his early years in British Honduras (now Belize) and Malawi. He received his education at Norwich School, Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and Anglia Ruskin University, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies.
Rise to Success
Ashcroft's business career began in 1972 with the founding of Michael A. Ashcroft Associates. He built his wealth through strategic acquisitions and divestments, notably in the security industry. His most significant deal was the acquisition of ADT Security Services in 1987, which he later sold to Tyco International in 1997 for $6.7 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Ashcroft focused on identifying and acquiring underperforming companies, restructuring them, and then selling them for profit. He has diversified across sectors, including finance, real estate, and telecommunications. He has been involved with companies employing over 100,000 people.
Philanthropy
Ashcroft is a well-known philanthropist. He founded Crimestoppers in 1985, a charity focused on crime prevention. In 2013, he signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate most of his wealth to charity. His charitable activities focus on crime prevention, education, and supporting military causes. He also has a large collection of Victoria Crosses, which is displayed at the Imperial War Museum.