The Waltons
The Waltons, the US richest clan, is on the first line of the rating. According to the latest Bloomberg estimate, the family's fortune exceeds $238 billion. The Waltons own the retail giant Walmart that nowadays has over 10 thousand branches around the world. The first store of the world famous chain was opened almost 60 years ago. The company was founded by Sam Walton. His children - Rob, Jim and Alice - do not participate in the Walmart management, but they are on the board of directors. The heirs own 48% of the company's shares. Every year, each of them gets in the rating of twenty world's richest people according to Forbes.
The Mars
The Mars family takes second place in the rating. Their wealth is estimated at nearly $142 billion. The family owns the Mars company, the largest confectionery maker in the world. The “sweet” business was founded 110 years ago by Frank Mars. Now the company’s shares are divided between his three grandchildren: John, Forrest-Edward, and Jacqueline. Besides the world-famous Mars bars, the company also produces Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Bounty, and many other sweets. In addition, it produces drinks, instant food, and animal feed.
The Koch family
The third place of the rating goes to the Koch family. Its total wealth is estimated at $124.4 billion. The main source of income of this American clan is the Koch Industries oil corporation. It was founded by Fred Koch in 1940. After his death in 1967, the controlling stake in the company was divided between his four sons. Sixteen years later, only two of them, Charles and David, became the majority owners of Koch Industries. David died in 2019, and his wife Julia and three children inherited 42% of his shares. In 2021, Julia Koch made the top five richest women in the world.
The Hermes family
The French Dumas are direct heirs of the Hermes family that founded the legendary Hermes fashion house in 1837. This family is in fourth place in the rating. Currently, the Hermes’ fortune amounts to over $ 111 billion. The family’s heirs still own the company that is famous all over the world for its branded bags. However, only 2 family members are currently executives in the company. Pierre-Alexis Dumas is the artistic director, while Axel Dumas is the chief executive officer of the Hermes fashion house.
The Al-Saud family
The ruling royal dynasty in Saudi Arabia is the fifth richest family according to the Bloomberg survey. The Al-Saud family has absolute power in the country. Many family members have made their fortunes by mediating land deals and setting up businesses to serve state-owned companies. The current family’s wealth is estimated at $100 billion. The current monarch’s son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, owns assets valued at more than $1 billion.
The Ambani family
The family of Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani is ranked sixth in the rating. Notably, the family is considered one of the richest in Asia. According to Bloomberg estimates, it owns more than $93 billion. Ambani's main source of profit is the Reliance Industries holding that deals in oil production and refining. It has been operating since 1981. Mukesh inherited the business after the death of his father, sharing it with his brother. Since then, they have gone their separate ways. Mukesh Ambani has turned his stake into India's largest private company that also specializes in telecommunications and retail.
The Wertheimer family
Brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer are on the seventh line of the rating. They own the controlling stake in Chanel, the French fashion house. The family’s wealth is estimated at $61.8 billion. Alain and Gerard are the heirs of their enterprising ancestors, Pierre and Paul Wertheimer, who invested in Coco Chanel in the 1920s. Apart from the Chanel brand, the Wertheimers also own the Eres, Tanner Krolle, and Holland & Holland brands. Besides, they have several vineyards in France and California.
Following his election victory, Donald Trump, a billionaire himself, once again decided to include prominent magnates in his administration, as he did during his first presidential term. As a result, Trump's current cabinet features seven billionaires, making it one of the wealthiest in US history. Let's find out who these billionaires are and the roles they have been assigned.
Not long ago, the United States held a presidential election, where Donald Trump emerged victorious. Today, he is recognized as the wealthiest American leader in the country's history. Let's take a closer look at other former US presidents who also achieved significant financial success.
