When someone tries to think of something ridiculously expensive in the UK there are a few things that come to mind, but most of them are related to the Royal Family.
From priceless crowns to gorgeous dresses and huge estates, the British Royal Family has a lot of things that are made of gold.
However, the most famous is probably Buckingham Palace in London, which is reportedly worth £3.9 billion if it were ever to be sold. Still though, that is nothing compared to the wealth of Europe’s richest person.
Bernard Arnault, has a fortune so vast it could buy more than 40 Buckingham Palaces.
The French billionaire, who heads the luxury goods giant LVMH, is worth an estimated £159 billion, according to Forbes. This means his wealth is roughly 40 times greater than the value of Buckingham Palace.
Arnault, 75, has spent decades building his empire. As the founder and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, he oversees iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët & Chandon.
The billionaire’s journey began in the 1980s, when he acquired Christian Dior as part of his purchase of the struggling Boussac Saint-Frères conglomerate.
Known for his sharp business instincts, Arnault earned the nickname “The Terminator” after streamlining the company, selling off non-core assets, and transforming Dior into a global powerhouse.
In 1987, Arnault also played an important role in creating LVMH by merging Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy.
Over the years, he has expanded the group through acquisitions, adding brands such as Fendi, Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari to its portfolio.
Arnault’s wealth also funds his passion for art and philanthropy. He has invested heavily in the arts, including the creation of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a Paris museum showcasing contemporary art.
Beyond luxury goods, the Arnault family has diversified into sports. In 2024, they acquired a controlling stake in Paris FC, with a focus on sustainable development and fan engagement.
Despite controversies, including criticism over layoffs early in his career and an attempt to obtain Belgian citizenship, Arnault remains a towering figure in the business world.
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