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18) S. Robson Walton
Net Worth: $19.8 billion
Source: Wal-Mart
Residence: U.S.
• Rob has been chairman of Wal-Mart since 1992.
• World's largest retailer benefited as cash-strapped shoppers looked to discount merchandise at start of economic slump.
• Boost may have waned; recently reported 1.6% decline in same-store sales in its U.S. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores, warned of soft sales in current quarter.
• Still, shares up 7% in past 12 months and family fortune rose a combined $13 billion, largely recovering losses from market crash.
• Sam Walton started as J.C. Penney clerk. Opened Benjamin Franklin five-and-dime in 1945; lost lease five years later. Founded Bentonville, Ark., general store with brother James in 1962.
• Today Walmart has $405 billion in annual sales, 2 million employees, more than 8,400 stores.
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19) Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Alsaud
Net Worth: $19.4 billion
Source: Diversified
Residence: Saudi Arabia
• Net worth of globe-trotting investor and nephew of the Saudi king is up $6.1 billion in the past year.
• Two-thirds of his fortune is held in his 95% stake in Saudi-listed investment vehicle, Kingdom Holding.
• In the five weeks leading up to Forbes' stock valuation date, Kingdom shares jumped 49%.
• Alwaleed and Kingdom Holding together own a 3.5% stake in Citigroup. As the bank's largest individual investor, he has been vocal in his support of its chief executive Vikram Pandit.
• Kingdom Holding also has large holdings in the Four Seasons and Fairmont hotel management chains.
• In late February News Corp. purchased a 9% stake in Alwaleed's Arab media and entertainment company Rotana, valuing the company at $770 million.
• His palaces and real estate are worth more than $3 billion.
• Owns jewelry collection he values at $730 million, plus four airplanes, including an Airbus A380.
 Mike Cassese/Reuters |
20) David Thomson and Family
Net Worth: $19 billion
Source: Thomson Reuters
Residence: Canada
• Chairman of Thomson Reuters knocks longtime rival Michael Bloomberg out of top 20.
• Firm acquired financial commentary site Breakingviews in December.
• Grandfather Roy founded the media group in 1934.
• With brother Peter, serves as cochair of family's investment concern, Woodbridge.
• Also owns CTVglobemedia; multimedia outfit's holdings include Canada's national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, and dozens of TV channels and radio stations.
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