5. Michele Ferrero – $26. 7 billion
What does the name Ferrero says to you? To me it says candies.
Michele Ferrero is the founder and the patriarch of the family that owns the Ferrero Group, marker of Kinder and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella and Tic-Tac.
All the goodies. I’m in mood for some Kinder, Nutella and some Ferrero Rocher. Are you with me?
Michele Ferrero inherited the company from his father Pietro, who started making a hazelnut spread called Nutella when cocoa was rationed during World War II.
The Italian originated, Michele expanded the company and it still continues to grow under the leadership of his son, Giovanni.
The company earned $10.5 billion in revenue during 2012, up 8% from the previous year thanks to growth in Asia, Russia and the United States.
