The World's 200 Richest People
The World’s 200 Richest People (2005) Compiled by Forbes (Each listing will include the rank, name, age, worth [in $billions], country of citizenship, and residence, along with brief biographical information.) 1 William Gates III, 49, $46.5bn, USA, Medina, Wash. (USA) Industry: Software Marital Status: married , 3 children Harvard University, Drop Out Gates was given honorary knighthood in March, but don’t call him Sir William: the title is only good for citizens of the Commonwealth. He is staying plenty busy pressing Microsoft beyond PCs into television set-top boxes, games, cell phones. “Software is where the action is,” Gates proclaimed to company researchers last August. Competition from rival open source operating system, Linux, is stalling Microsoft’s growth in the server market, but desktop dominance remains intact: Windows installed in 94% of PCs being sold. Next version, Longhorn, should be ready in 2006. Microsoft, meanwhile, is pursuing online music, photos and search software. Gates is methodically diversifying his wealth: He sells 20 million shares each quarter, reinvests through Cascade Investment in non-tech companies, including big stakes in Cox Communications, Canadian National Railway, Republic Services. World’s biggest philanthropist also devoting $27 billion to good deeds. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation fights infectious diseases (hepatitis B, AIDS), funds vaccine development, helps high schools. 2 Warren Buffett, 74, $44.0bn, USA, Omaha, Neb. (USA) Industry: Investments Marital Status: widowed , 3 children University of Nebraska Lincoln, Bachelor of Arts / Science Columbia University, Master of Science Newspaper delivery boy filed first 1040 at age 13; claimed $35 deduction for bicycle. Studied under Benjamin Graham at Columbia.
[Show full text]