Bill Gates
Net Worth: $46.6 billion
Country: United States
Rank: 1
Microsoft’s founder and chief software architect is pushing to move the company beyond PCs into TVs, cell phones, cars, even wristwatches. Flagship Windows operating system runs 94% of the world’s desktop computers, but company faces pressure from faster- growing open source system Linux. Expectations high for Windows successor, dubbed Longhorn, which may debut in 2005. World’s biggest philanthropist, he devotes billions to eradicating infectious diseases (polio, AIDS) and developing vaccines through $24 billion Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $42.9 billion
Country: United States
Rank: 2
Oracle of Omaha’s value-investing principles built Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway into $116 billion (market cap) holding company: insurance (General Re, Geico) and stakes in American Express, Coca-Cola, Gillette. Also, an assortment of operating companies, including Fruit of the Loom, Pampered Chef. Believes Berkshire should be “fortress of financial strength.” It’s been just that: Stock is up nearly 50% in past year, adding $12.4 billion to net worth and bringing him a few billion dollars shy of Bill Gates. Starring role as economic adviser to movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger in recent California governorship race.
Karl Albrecht
Net Worth: $23 billion
Country: Germany
Rank: 3
Supermarket king along with younger brother Theo. Thanks to new German disclosure laws, Forbes divvied up fortune he shares with brother for first time. Their family’s 6,500-store Aldi chain began as a single store. Aldi’s 2002 sales reached $49 billion. Karl used to manage southern, more profitable half of Germany, but has since retired, leaving company in hands of nonfamily members. Both brothers fiercely guard their privacy. Word is, Karl raises orchids and enjoys a round of golf on his own 27-hole course.
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