Business is booming for the richest families in the world, and financial reporting by Bloomberg has revealed just how much these ultra-wealthy are worth. It’s no surprise though that the rich families who topped previous years continue to hold their spots in 2021.
What is surprising, however, is just how much wealth these few families hold. The top five richest families have a combined total of $716.1 billion in wealth.
For help in understanding this mind-boggling number, look no further than this breakdown of the richest families in the world.
1. Walton - $238.2 billion
The Walton family is the richest family in the world with an estimated wealth of $238.2 billion. This immense wealth stems from the family’s stake and ownership in Walmart.
In terms of revenue, Walmart is the largest consumer retail company ever with $559 billion coming from roughly 10,500 stores.
2. Mars - $141.9 billion
Like candy? Well here’s the family behind your potential favorites like M&Ms, Snickers and Milky Way bars. The Mars family holds an immense $141.9 billion from its candy company sales.
But the richest families in the world usually have dealings in more than one industry, and Mars is no different. Bloomberg reported that $39.2 billion of the company’s wealth actually comes from the sale of pet-care products.
3. Koch - $124.4 billion
Third in the richest families in the world is the Koch family. Koch Industries, which is based in Wichita, Kansas, has left the family with roughly $124.4 billion in wealth.
Koch has a hand in a variety of industries but notably the family owns manufacturing companies in areas like paper, mineral processing and oil refinery.
4. Hermes - $111.6 billion
Luxury fashion sales has resulted in luxury living for the Hermes family. The family holds $111.6 billion in wealth, making it one of the richest families in the world.
The name Hermes might not sound familiar but if you know anything about fashion than Birkin bags should. Hermes Birkin bags are about as luxury as it gets with bags routinely selling at the $10,000 mark.
5. Al Saud - $100 billion
At $100 billion the Al Saud family, the family that founded modern day Saudi Arabia, is one of the richest families in the world and one of the richest royal families.
This wealth is spread out among an estimated 15,000 extended family members. Much of the family’s wealth has come from managing land deals, government contracts and oil.
The family’s major oil company Saudi Aramco is one of the most profitable companies on the globe.