Bloomberg List Highlights
In Bloomberg’s recently released list of the world’s 25 richest families, India’s Ambani family has secured the 8th position. This year, the wealth of these affluent families saw a collective increase of ₹34.5 lakh crore.
The Walton family, owners of Walmart, topped the list with a total wealth of ₹36.7 lakh crore, up by ₹14.6 lakh crore from last year. Following them are the royal families of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, ranked second and third, respectively.
India’s Ambani Family
The Ambani family, India’s wealthiest, holds a total fortune of ₹8.45 lakh crore, placing them 8th on the list. Their business empire spans across Reliance Industries, Jio Platforms, and Reliance Retail. Additionally, the Mistry family, with a wealth of ₹3.5 lakh crore, ranked 23rd on the list, owning the Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
Key Businesses of Top Families
- Walton Family: Founded Walmart in the 1950s, currently owning a 46% stake in the company, which operates over 10,600 stores globally.
- Hermès Family (France): Owners of the luxury fashion brand Hermès, established in 1837.
- Mars Family: Renowned for their candy empire, they have diversified into pet care products.
- Ambani Family: Founded by Dhirubhai Ambani in 1955, their business spans energy, retail, and telecommunications.
Ambani Wealth and India’s GDP
According to the Barclays-Hurun India 2024 list of the most valuable family businesses, the Ambani family’s total wealth is estimated at ₹25.75 trillion, which accounts for approximately 10% of India’s GDP. Reliance Industries, Jio Platforms, and Reliance Retail form the cornerstone of this valuation.
Legacy of Dhirubhai Ambani
Dhirubhai Ambani laid the foundation of Reliance Industries in 1955. Born on December 28, 1933, in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, Dhirubhai built his empire from scratch without any inherited wealth. His entrepreneurial vision turned Reliance into one of the world’s largest conglomerates.
After his passing, his legacy was carried forward by his wife Kokilaben Ambani and sons Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani, who divided the family’s assets and took the business to new heights.
This global recognition of the Ambani family underscores their remarkable contribution to India’s economy and their influence on the global business landscape.
