While you may be familiar with the wealthiest individuals globally, how extensive is your awareness of the richest families worldwide? This article seeks to provide insights into specific families that have emerged as prominent financial powerhouses in Europe, predominantly through business ventures, distinct from royal lineages.

First, let’s explore some notable statistics about the top 5 wealthiest European Families 

• Within the top 5 wealthiest European families, France boasts 3, while Spain and Belgium each have representation with one family.
• Four of the top five wealthiest European families own leading global fashion and luxury brands. Three of these families are led by business chairpersons aged 70 and above, who also rank among the world’s richest individuals.
• The Hermès family has maintained its brand legacy through six generations, with Émile Hermès passing the torch to his sons-in-law, forming the Hermès-Damas Family.
• In 2010, LVMH, owned by the Arnault family, unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Hermès’ controlling families to sell, leading to a bitter rivalry between the two groups.
• The fifth richest family results from the collaboration of three different families merging their family-owned brewery businesses.

The Arnault Family – $211 Billion

Photo Credit: The Wall Street Journal

The Arnault family, led by 74-year-old French businessman Bernard Arnault, transitioned from the construction industry to real estate, textiles, and retail. Bernard, now one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, heads the richest European family. In 1985, he used $15 million from the family business to acquire Christian Dior, establishing LVMH, where the Arnaults hold a controlling stake. 

The family’s holding company, Groupe Familial Arnault, owns 97.5% of Christian Dior, which, in turn, owns 41.4% of LVMH—a conglomerate boasting a diverse portfolio of over 75 luxury brands across various sectors. All five of Arnault’s children contribute to LVMH, and as of December 2023, the family’s net worth stands at approximately $211 billion, as per Forbes.

The Hermès Family – $151 Billion

The Hermes Family, dating back to the 19th century in France, is renowned as a global producer of luxury goods. Specializing in items ranging from leather bags to silk scarfs, they have ascended to become one of Europe’s wealthiest families. Established by Themier in 1837 to cater to European nobility, the Hermes legacy has endured through six generations. 

Émile Hermès, Themier’s grandson, passed the torch to his sons-in-law, with Robert Dumas emerging as a key figure in the business’s success. Taking over in 1951, Dumas played a pivotal role in iconic creations like the first silk scarf, the Kelly bag, and the Chaîne d’ancre bracelet. In 2014, Axel Dumas became the CEO of Hermès. Presently, Hermes holds a staggering net worth of $151 billion, as per Bloomberg’s ranking.

The Wertheimer Family – $89.6 Billion

The Wertheimer Family, led by 74-year-old Alain and his 71-year-old brother Gerard, hails from France and is renowned for their ownership of Chanel, a prestigious fashion brand co-founded by their grandfather, Pierre, alongside Coco Chanel. 

Alain, overseeing the privately held company, has expanded its portfolio with acquisitions like Eres Lingerie, Tanner Krolle, and Holland & Holland. The family, deeply rooted in diverse ventures, also owns esteemed French vineyards, including Château Rauzan-Ségla and Château Canon. 

Known for their passion in equestrian pursuits, the brothers manage La Presle Farm for racing in the U.S. and operate under the name Wertheimer et Frère partnership in France. As of 2023, the Wertheimer Family’s net worth is estimated at $89.6 billion, as per Bloomberg.

The Ortega Family – $59.6 Billion

The Ortega family, a Spanish dynastic lineage, ranks as the eighth wealthiest globally. Their primary wealth source is Inditex, a clothing giant, notably through its flagship store, Zara. Headed by 87-year-old Amancio Ortega, a billionaire businessman and former richest person globally, the family oversees a vast empire. 

Inditex, the world’s largest fast fashion group, operates 7,200+ stores in 93 markets, with Zara as its standout brand. Apart from Zara, Inditex owns diverse labels like Zara Home, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti. In April 2022, Marta Ortega Pérez, Amancio’s daughter, assumed the role of chairperson. The family’s estimated net worth as of July 2022 is $59.6 billion.

Van Damme, De Spoelberch, and De Mevius Families – $53 Billion

The collaboration between the Belgian Van Damme, De Spoelberch, and De Mevius families has demonstrated the impactful synergy in business. Since their alliance in 1987, forming Interbrew through the merger of Piedboeuf and Artois, these families now boast an estimated fortune nearing $53 billion, making them Belgium’s wealthiest. 

The amalgamation of their family-owned breweries birthed Interbrew, the precursor to today’s brewing giant InBev. Noteworthy brands like Leffe and Stella Artois emerged under Interbrew’s umbrella, eventually merging with the Brazilian Ambev in 2004 and acquiring Anheuser-Busch in 2008. 

Now known as Anheuser-Busch InBev, the company reported $54.6 billion in sales in 2018, solidifying its status as the world’s largest beer producer. The founder families’ descendants still hold significant shares in the publicly listed company.