Brothers Alain & Gerard Wertheimer are owners of the French luxury brand Chanel who have a net worth of $9.1 billion each. The high fashion brand was founded back in 1909, by their grandfather Pierre Wertheimer and his partner Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, the company’s namesake. Eventually, Pierre took Chanel entirely in his possession, buying his early partner out.
Apart from clothing, the privately held company sells perfume, make-up, jewelry, watches and other fashion accessories. US-based Alain serves as the chairman of the company, while Gerard, who lives in Switzerland, leads the division of watches. In addition to Chanel, they possess two French vineyards, Rauzan-Ségla in Margaux and Chateau Canon in Saint-Emilion. Alain and Gerard also own thoroughbreds horses, including stallions, which have won such races as the French Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the US. With an estimated net worth at $8 billion in March 2013, Forbes ranked them as #145 among the richest in the world and #5 among the wealthiest in France. The two brothers keep their private lives under wraps and don’t give interviews to the press.
| Net Worth: | $9.1 Billion |
| Date of Birth: | 1949 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Businessperson |
| Nationality: | France |