Forbes’ annual billionaires’ list is always a bonanza of story ideas. And the richest newcomer to the 2015 list owes her fortune, in part, to Nutella.
She is Maria Franca Fissolo Ferrero, the widow of Nutella king Michele Ferrero. According to Forbes, she shares her $23.4 billion fortune with her family.
Her son Giovanni is CEO of the Ferrero Group, which owns the brands Nutella, Kinder, Ferrero Rocher and Tic Tacs. Michele Ferrero died on Valentine’s Day at age 89.
According to Reuters, there are rumors that the Ferrero Group could be rife for a sale, but at least for now, Mrs. Ferrero holds the reins.
There are a record 270 new names on the Forbes billionaires list this year, including Michael Jordan. The magazine estimates that the Jordan brand grossed $2.25 billion for Nike this year. But his wealth rests primarily in his stake of the Charlotte Hornets, worth $500 million.
STORY IDEAS
Inside The Forbes Billionaire List, 2015
Forbes Richest People In The World
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