Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. Last week, ESL Investments -- the hedge fund controlled by Eddie Lampert that is Sears Holdings' (NASDAQOTH:SHLDQ) largest creditor and top shareholder -- made a bid to buy the floundering retailer out of bankruptcy.