Table: Carlos Slim Helu’s Personal Information
| **Category** | **Information** |
|:—————-:|:——————————————————-:|
| Net Worth | $101 billion |
| Salary | N/A |
| Birthdate | January 28, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | N/A |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Nationality | Mexican |
What is Carlos Slim Helu’s Net Worth?
Carlos Slim Helu, the richest person in Mexico and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, has a net worth of $101 billion. Over the years, Carlos Slim Helu has consistently maintained a position among the top richest people globally, with his wealth primarily derived from his extensive business empire.
Highlights
– Carlos Slim Helu is the richest person in Mexico and one of the richest individuals worldwide.
– In 2007, he became the richest person on the planet, a title he held for approximately three years.
– Carlos Slim Helu and Bill Gates frequently traded places as the richest individuals between 2010 and 2013.
– His wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in America Movil, a leading mobile phone giant.
– Carlos Slim Helu holds substantial stakes in other companies, including Grupo Financiero Inbursa, Grupo Carso, Minera Frisco, and the New York Times.
Early Life
Carlos Slim Helu, often known as Slim, was born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City. His parents, Julian Slim Haddad and Linda Helu Atta, were Maronite Christians of Lebanese descent. As a child, Slim received valuable lessons from his father on topics such as finance, management, and accounting. His father also taught him practical skills like reading financial statements and maintaining accurate records.
As a young entrepreneur, Slim made his first investment in a government savings bond at the age of eleven, where he learned about the power of compound interest. By the time he was fifteen, he was already a shareholder in Mexico’s largest bank. Slim worked for his father’s company during his teenage years, earning an income and gaining valuable experience. He later pursued civil engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Career
Slim’s business career took off when he began working as a stock trader in Mexico after completing his university education. In 1965, his private investments generated profits of $400,000, which he used to establish the stock brokerage Inversora Bursatil. He laid the foundation for his conglomerate, Grupo Carso, with the acquisition of Jarritos del Sur in 1965. In 1966, he founded Inmobilaria Carso, estimated to be worth $40 million at the time.
Carlos Slim Helu expanded his business empire into various industries, including auto parts, aluminum, airlines, chemicals, tobacco, paper and packaging, tires, retail, and hotels. He focused on acquiring companies in construction, soft drinks, printing, real estate, bottling, and mining. During the Mexican economic downturn of 1982-1985, Slim used a strategy of buying undervalued assets and selling them for a profit when they gained value.
One of his notable successes was the acquisition of Telmex, Mexico’s national telecommunications company, after Mexico privatized its telecom industry in the early 1990s. Slim also made ventures into the American market, acquiring stakes in major US retailers such as OfficeMax, Circuit City, and Barnes & Noble. He holds significant influence over the telecommunications industry in Mexico and Latin America through companies like Telefonos De Mexico, TelCel, and America Movil.
Personal Life
Carlos Slim Helu was married to Soumaya Domit, with whom he had six children: Carlos, Marco Antonio, Patrick, Soumaya, Vanessa, and Johanna. Soumaya Domit passed away in 1999. His three older sons actively participate in the management of the family’s business empire.
Net Worth Over Time
Carlos Slim Helu has consistently maintained a high net worth throughout his career. For more than a decade, he has been among the top 10 richest individuals globally. His net worth reached $101 billion, making him the richest person in Mexico.
Components of Net Worth
Carlos Slim Helu’s net worth primarily stems from his extensive business holdings. His approximate 57% stake in America Movil, a leading mobile phone giant, has been a significant driver of his wealth. He also holds substantial stakes in other companies, including Grupo Financiero Inbursa, Grupo Carso, Minera Frisco, and the New York Times. With dividends alone, he has earned more than $9 billion over the past decade.