The richest men in the world: surprise for Mark Zuckerberg
The annual Bloomberg list of the world's richest billionaires has been published, revealing that Bill Gates remains the richest man in the world - with a total estimated fortune of $85.2 billion. Nowadays Microsoft is a tiny fraction of his total wealth, as he has stakes in more than 30 companies. It explains how he can remain so wealthy given his incredible philanthropy.
Second place goes to Inditex owner, Amancio Ortega - who has $70.8 billion to his name. Inditex is probably best known as the parent company of the clothing retailer Zara, and Ortega is credited with introducing the idea of having a steady turnover of new designs in store rather than waiting for each season. Ortega's fortune goes from strength to strength, and is up almost 16% from this time last year.
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In third place is investment guru Warren Buffett, who has £67.6 billion. He tends to take second or third place in most lists of billionaires, because of the incredible success of his investment business Berkshire Hathaway. He lives a relatively modest existence for such a wealthy man, and plans to donate his entire fortune to charity.
Fourth is Mexican telecoms magnate, Carlos Slim, who is worth $66.6 billion - and nowadays has stakes in everything from mining to tobacco. He was once worth more than Bill Gates, but changes in the last few years have brought him into fourth place. Last year he lost just over 8% of his wealth.
Fifth is Charles Koch, worth $50.3 billion. He's the chairman and chief executive of Koch Industries - the family-owned conglomerate - and owns 42% of the company.
Sixth is his brother David Koch worth $50.3 billion, who also owns 42% of the business and is an executive vice president.
Seventh is Amazon founder and chairman, Jeff Bezos, who is worth £43.5 billion. His is one of the most incredible growth stories of the past year - powering into the top ten as his wealth increased more than 52% in 12 months. At this rate we can expect to see him leapfrog the Koch brothers next year.
Eighth is Larry Ellison, the Oracle Founder, who is worth £43.4 billion - down just over 10% from last year. He has added to his business empire and owns property around the world.
Ninth is Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and chief executive of Facebook. He has moved up one place from last year - confounding the pundits who felt the IPO of Facebook in 2012 had overvalued the company. His fortune has risen to £43.1 billion - up 25% from last year - and the popularity of the brand endures.
Tenth is Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad, who at the age of 89 has seen his wealth fall by $2.8 billion to $42.2 billion in the past 12 months. At the age of 89 he still controls the world's largest furniture seller and is said to lead a frugal lifestyle - driving the same ancient Volvo he has owned for years.
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