South African billionaire Johann Rupert, chairman of luxury goods giant Richemont, has solidified his standing as the wealthiest individual in South Africa. In just two weeks, his fortune surged by an impressive $600 million, propelling his net worth to a milestone of $14.1 billion.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the fortune of the world’s top 500 billionaires, Rupert, who ranks as the second-wealthiest individual on the African continent, trailing only Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has seen his net worth increase by $600 million, rising from $13.5 billion on Feb. 24 to $14.1 billion.
Rupert holds $10.1 billion worth of Richemont stock, the luxury empire housing Cartier and Van Cleef
The $600-million recent surge in his fortune, amounting to an average daily gain of $42.85 million since Feb. 24, is linked to the performance of Rupert’s 9.14-percent stake in Richemont, a leading luxury group that owns premium brands such as Cartier, Chloe, Dunhill, Alaa, and Delvaux. Richemont shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange have seen a modest increase of 5.45 percent since Feb. 24, significantly bolstering Rupert’s overall net worth.
Rupert, a top figure in the global luxury landscape, holds a significant stake in Richemont, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chloé. He holds 6.26 million “A” shares and 522 million “B” shares in Richemont, giving him 10.18 percent ownership of the company and controlling 51 percent of its voting rights. According to Bloomberg, his stake is worth around $10.1 billion, making up most of his $14.1 billion wealth.
Rupert’s diverse investment portfolio: Beyond Richemont’s luxury realm
While his stake in the luxury giant Richemont remains pivotal, Rupert has woven a broader tapestry of investments across diverse sectors. His $373-million stake in Remgro Limited, a $1.24-billion interest in Reinet Investment, and a $123 million investment in FirstRand are just some gems in his portfolio, adding an estimated $1.736 billion to his net worth.
With this recent surge in his net worth, Rupert has solidified his status as South Africa’s richest individual, maintaining his lead over fellow South African magnate Nicky Oppenheimer. With a net worth soaring to $14.1 billion, he secures the 144th spot on the global ranking of the world’s richest individuals and solidifies his position as a leading figure in the luxury goods sector.
