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The World's 5 Richest Billionaire Families

Forbes Middle East - English

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August 2023

From the Walton family to the candy conglomerate Mars Inc., these families have built their fortunes through strategic investments, business acumen, and inheritance. Here are the top five richest billionaire families as of July 12, 2023, according to Forbes.

- AMR ABDELHAMID

The World's 5 Richest Billionaire Families

1. The Walton Family

Combined net worth: $241.1 billion
Source of wealth: Walmart
Citizenship: U.S.

The Waltons are the richest family in the world thanks to their stake in Walmart, the world’s largest retailer by sales. Nearly half of Walmart’s stock is held by seven heirs of founders Sam Walton, who died in 1992, and his brother James “Bud,” who died in 1995. Heirs include Sam’s three living children—Rob, Jim, and Alice—his daughter-in-law Christy and her son Lukas, in addition to Bud’s two daughters, Ann and Nancy. Walmart’s total revenues reached $611.3 billion in the 2023 fiscal year that ended in January.

2. Bernard Arnault & family

Net worth: $231 billion
Source of wealth: LVMH
Citizenship: France

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