Klaus-Michael Kühne
At present, the richest man in Germany is 86-year-old Klaus-Michael Kühne. According to the latest data, his personal capital is estimated at almost $43 billion. The main source of his wealth is the family company Kühne + Nagel, which is recognized as one of the world's largest providers of logistics services. Nowadays, it is represented in more than 100 countries and has over 1,300 branches. Klaus-Michael Kühne also owns large stakes in the shipping company Hapag-Lloyd and in the largest aviation company in Europe, Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
Dieter Schwarz
84-year-old Dieter Schwarz, owner of the Schwarz-Gruppe, ranks second on the list of the richest people in Germany. According to recent estimates, his net worth equals $39 billion. Having founded the first Lidl store in 1973, Dieter Schwartz turned the family business into one of the world's largest retail chains. Today, the Schwarz-Gruppe operates almost 13,000 stores in 33 countries. Dieter Schwarz is also actively involved in charity work through his Dieter Schwarz Foundation, supporting educational and scientific projects.
Reinhold Würth
The third line on the list is occupied by 88-year-old businessman Reinhold Würth whose fortune is estimated at $34 billion. The entrepreneur embarked on his business career at the age of 19, taking the helm of his father’s wholesale company, engaged in the production of screws. Over time, due to his efforts, a small family business evolved into a large corporation, the Würth Group, whose sales exceeded $21 billion in 2022. Nowadays, the billionaire is one of the largest art collectors in Europe. His collection includes more than 18,000 items.
Stefan Quandt
The fourth place in the ranking of the wealthiest people in Germany is given to a key figure in the German automotive industry. Stefan Quandt is the largest shareholder of BMW. According to the latest data, his capital amounts to $27.3 billion. Stefan Quandt inherited a significant stake in BMW after his father's death. Over time, he increased this stake to 25.83%, which made him the majority shareholder of the automaker. In addition, today the 57-year-old businessman owns significant stakes in other companies, including CEAG, Logwin AG, and Biologische Heilmittel Heel.
Susanne Klatten
61-year-old businesswoman Susanne Klatten rounds out the ranking of Germany's richest billionaires. Her net worth is $26.4 billion. She inherited substantial stakes in BMW and the chemical company Altana from her father, making her the wealthiest woman in the country. Today Susanne Klatten owns 21% of BMW shares and also holds a stake in SGL Carbon which produces graphite. The entrepreneur also owns the investment company SKion and is a major shareholder in Landa Digital Printing.
Economic inequality remains one of the most pressing issues in today's world. To measure the gap between the rich and the poor in each country, the Gini index is used. This coefficient reflects how income is distributed within a society: the closer the index is to 100, the greater the inequality. Let's explore which countries currently have the highest Gini index values
This year has been pivotal for Bitcoin, the world's leading cryptocurrency. One of the key milestones was the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In April 2024, Bitcoin also experienced a halving event, which is typically seen as a positive development for the digital asset. This year, the cryptocurrency is up 57%, and analysts remain optimistic about its future. However, they highlight four key factors that could influence Bitcoin's trajectory, both for better and for worse
