Britain’s Top 10 Richest People In 2014: Hinduja, Usmanov and Mittal

Great Britain takes pride in a lot of things. From a historical standpoint, the country has been part of some of the most important events that not only shaped Europe, but also the world. The British Empire has taken part in countless wars, religious upheavals, economic struggles, and political machinations that set the world as it is today.

With such status and history, it is no wonder that Great Britain is also one of the biggest economies in the world today. Big economies usually translate to having people with billions in their bank accounts and Britain certainly takes pride in having more billionaires than any country and parades a total of 104 individuals whose net worth is more than a billion.

But today, we are going to meet the top 10 richest Brits on the planet. Here goes.

#10 Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli: $12 billion

Ernesto Bertarelli found his wealth in the pharmaceutical market after inheriting the biotech giant Serono, manufacturer of the billion dollar multiple sclerosis drug Rebig. He also has other biotech investments, specifically campuses in Geneva, Switzerland. He, together with his wife, former Miss UK Kristy Bertarelli, lives a lavish lifestyle, which is highlighted by a custom 314-foot yacht with a helicopter pad, a swimming pool and a “fold-down beach club”.

#9 The Duke of Westminster: $14.34 billion

Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, the 6th Duke of Westminster, is arguably the richest landlord in all of England. The 62-year old royal has placed most of his money in real estate. Through his own business unit, Grosvenor Group, the Duke of Westminster transacts his business dealing in Scotland, Spain and elsewhere in England. He owns a substantial parcel of land in central London, including 190 acres of the Buckingham Palace.

#8 Roman Abramovich: $14.37 billion

Despite losing a lot of his stake in Evraz back in 2013, a top steelmaker in UK, Roman Abramovich remains to be one of the wealthiest people in England. Apart from owning UK’s Chelsea soccer team, Abramovich also has a Boeing 767 and the world’s largest yacht at his beck and call. The steel and oil tycoon is also ranked as one of the richest Russians in the world.

#7 Kirsten and Jorn Rausing: $14.85 billion

Kirsten and Jorn Rausing saw their net worth shoot up after inheriting the Swiss-based packaging company Tetra Leval. Aside from handling the family business, the elder Kirsten also engages in the horse racing industry, owning three stud farms and breeding and racing thoroughbreds.

#6 David and Simon Reuben: $15.8 billion

Brothers David and Simon Reuben have made their mark in UK’s real estate industry, particularly in the residential and housing market. The Reuben Brothers found success in a string of big ventures including hotels, resorts, and airports despite stemming from the metal industry. Aside from real estate, the two are also involved in other markets like clothing, pubs, and banking.

#5 John Fredriksen and family: $15.61 billion

John Fredriksen of Norway struck gold with his fleet of oil tankers, the largest in the world. Managing his business dealings from his mansion in London, Fredriksen also has investments in other industries such as offshore drilling, fish farming, dry bulk enterprise, and cargo vessels.

#4 Len Blavatnik: $16.87 billion

Ukraine-born Len Blavatnik is the epitome of ultimate crossover mogul. He basically owns companies that own companies that own brands you know or most probably heard of. Among the corporations he owns are Lyondellbasell Chemical Company, Acision Mobile Communications, Access Industries, and Warner Music Group, which controls Warner Bros. Records, Parlophone, Atlantic and other leading record labels.

#3 Lakshmi Mittal and family: $17.29 billion

Despite his steel empire suffering from significant financial losses, Lakshmi Mittal of the famed ArcelorMittal remains to be one of the world’s richest. ArcelorMittal is the world’s largest steel company but recent troubles within the steel industry have affected the Mittal wealth, which saw a loss of a staggering $10.4 billion back in 2012. Just recently, Mittal placed three of his London mansions on the market, hoping the sale of their homes will help them regain lost money.

#2 Alisher Usmanov: $17.97 billion

Another steel magnate on the list, Russia-born British citizen Alisher Usmanov saw his steel company go the same direction as Lakhsmi Mittal’s corportation. However, Usmanov has entered into various industries and found financial success in them, including his shares in Facebook and holdings in Russian media, telecoms and international tech companies. His revenues from his non-steel assets are enough to keep him financially afloat in the foreseeable future.

#1 Sri and Gopi Hinduja: $20.08 billion

Britain’s richest brothers, Sri and Gopi Hinduja, own a massive empire that spans across 37 countries and several industries, including automobiles, finance, oil, renewable and nonrenewable energy. They also own a major piece of real estate – 67,500-square-foot land just next to the historical and iconic Buckingham Palace.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.