Famous Entrepreneurs Information

9. Theo Albrecht

Net Worth: $18.8 billion
Source: Supermarkets/Germany
Age: 87
Marital Status: Married, two children

Runs discount supermarket group Aldi Nord; firm holding up amid economic downturn. Sales expected to hit $31 billion in 2008.

After World War II he and older brother Karl transformed their mother's corner grocery into Aldi.

Brothers split ownership in 1961; Karl took the stores in southern Germany, plus the rights to the brand in the U.K., Australia and the U.S. Theo got the northern Germany stores and the rest of Europe.

Unable to operate Aldi stores in U.S., Theo developed discount food store Trader Joe's; now has more than 320 U.S. stores.

Also owns stake in Supervalu. Became a recluse after being kidnapped for 17 days in 1971; said to collect old typewriters, loves golf.

by Luisa Kroll, Matthew Miller, and Tatiana Serafin

Labels: aldi nord, famous entrepreneurs, germany, supermarkets, theo albrecht

6. Karl Albrecht
Net Worth: $21.5 billion
Source: Supermarkets/Germany
Age: 89
Marital Status: Married, two children

Germany's richest person owns discount supermarket giant Aldi Sud.

Retailer faring well amid economic downturn; analysts expect its 2008 sales to be up 9.4% to $33.7 billion. Sales in the U.S. up estimated 20% last year to $7 billion.

Plans to open 75 U.S. stores in 2009, including first in New York City.

With younger brother, Theo, transformed their mother's corner grocery store into Aldi after World War II.

Brothers split ownership in 1961; Karl took the stores in southern Germany, plus the rights to the brand in the U.K., Australia and the U.S. Theo got northern Germany and the rest of Europe.
Retired from daily operations.

Fiercely private: little known about him other than that he apparently raises orchids and plays golf.

by Luisa Kroll, Matthew Miller, and Tatiana Serafin

Labels: aldi sud, famous entrepreneurs, germany, karl albrecht, supermarkets