The American business magazine Forbes has once again published its annual ranking, providing insight into the fortunes they command.
Measured by gross domestic product, Bavaria is Germany’s second most economically powerful state after North Rhine-Westphalia. Many billionaires and multimillionaires reside in Upper Bavaria. The district of Munich, located south of the state capital, is the wealthiest district in the entire country. But who are the richest personalities in Bavaria?
For 2024, Forbes compiled its usual overview of Germany’s super-rich. Among the wealthiest Germans overall are Klaus-Michael Kühne, Reinhold Würth, and Dieter Schwarz – each with a fortune of more than 30 billion euros. Bavaria, too, features prominently with several billionaire entrepreneurs and families.
Rank 1: Georg Schaeffler
Net worth: €10.9 billion
Company: Schaeffler Group, Herzogenaurach
Industry: Manufacturer of ball bearings and machine components
Rank 2: Andreas and Thomas Strüngmann
Net worth: €9.8 billion
Company: Founders of pharmaceutical firm Hexal, based in Holzkirchen (sold to Novartis in 2005); owners of investment company Athos, based in Munich
Investments: Early investors in BioNTech, developer of the COVID-19 vaccine
Rank 3: Nadia Thiele
Net worth: €9.6 billion
Company: Majority shareholder in rail technology company Knorr-Bremse and Vossloh AG
Industry: Brake systems for rail and commercial vehicles
Investments: Second-largest individual shareholder in Lufthansa
Rank 4: Alexandra Schörghuber and Family
Net worth: €8.1 billion
Business Interests: Real estate development, construction, and brewing (including Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr); family members hold board positions
Cultural Engagement: Supporter of the Haus der Kunst museum in Munich
Rank 5: Georg Nemetschek and Family
Net worth: €8.1 billion
Company: Nemetschek SE
Industry: Software solutions for architects, engineers, and the construction sector
Rank 6: Christian Haub
Net worth: €4 billion
Company: Tengelmann Group
Industry: Retail in textiles and home improvement
Investments: DIY retailer Obi, discount clothing chain Kik
Rank 7: Hubert Burda
Net worth: €3.7 billion
Company: Hubert Burda Media
Products: Magazines such as Bunte and Focus
Rank 8: Wilhelm Beier
Net worth: €2.8 billion
Company: Owner of pharmaceutical company Dermapharm, based in Grünwald
Products: Including Rivanol and vaccine production
Rank 9: Hans Langer
Net worth: €2.5 billion
Company: EOS Group, based in Krailling near Munich
Industry: Laser technology and 3D printing
Rank 10: Fritz Dräxlmaier
Net worth: €2.1 billion
Company: Dräxlmaier Group, based in Vilsbiburg
Industry: Automotive supplier
The publication of the Forbes list once again highlights that Bavaria is not only one of Germany’s economic powerhouses but also home to some of the richest individuals in the country.
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