The world’s richest family worth more than two European nations combined

The world’s wealthiest family possess more riches than two European nations combined. Sam Walton and his brother Bud Walton founded Walmart in 1962, and their seven descendants now comprise the wealthiest family on the planet as a result.

The Walton family was declared the world’s richest by Bloomberg last year and is reportedly worth an eye-watering $509 billion (approximately £380 billion). To put this into context, the GDP of Greece and Hungary combined is $520 billion (£387 billion). Iran’s GDP is $404 billion, reports the Express.

Walmart’s modest origins

Nevertheless, Walmart is now among the largest retailers globally, operating more than 10,995 outlets, including 4,611 in the United States.

Despite his tremendous success, Sam reportedly maintained his grounded approach as Walmart expanded to remarkable proportions. Retail consultant Walter F. Loeb once remarked: “This is a man who was at work at 4:30 in the morning, had warmth and charm throughout the day, an interest in his customers and who treated his associates well as persons, not just as clerks and salespeople.”

Sam passed away at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Hospital in 1992 at the age of 72, leaving the business in the control of family members. His brother Bud, who assisted Sam in making Walmart a retail giant, died three years later.

Rob Walton, Sam Walton’s eldest son, served as chairman following his father’s passing before stepping down in 2015. His son-in-law, Greg Penner, who, according to Forbes, boasts a net worth of $113 billion (approximately £85 billion), has since assumed the role of chairman.

Penner, together with members of the Walton family, leveraged their vast fortune to purchase the Denver Broncos for $4.7 billion (£3.5 billion) in 2022. The family’s wealth is further reflected in their sporting interests, which include stakes in several teams, among them Premier League side Arsenal.

This connection stems from Ann Walton Kroenke, who inherited a stake following the death of her father, Bud Walton, and is married to billionaire sports mogul Stan Kroenke. Beyond his ownership of the North London club, he also controls the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids.

Bud’s other daughter, Nancy Walton Laurie, once unveiled her staggering $300 million (£227 million) superyacht, Kaos, a striking symbol of the extraordinary wealth of the Walmart heirs.

She acquired the vessel in 2018 from a Qatari royal, and it remains the largest yacht owned by a woman. Following an extensive rebuild by Oceanco, it was transformed into a 361-foot superyacht capable of accommodating 24 guests in stately cabins.

However, in 2023, climate activists targeted the yacht with spray paint while it was moored in Ibiza. Members of the environmental group Futuro Vegetal held aloft a sign bearing the message: “You consume, others suffer.”

Last year, Alice Walton, daughter of Sam Walton, was named the wealthiest woman on the planet, boasting a staggering fortune of approximately $133 billion (£99.5 billion). She currently ranks as the 14th richest individual in the world. Her brother Rob, along with his family, sits in 11th place, while Jim and his family occupy 12th position in the global wealth rankings.

More recently, Alice splashed out £18 million on a lavish apartment in New York City, a sprawling unit spanning 6,346 square feet. The prestigious residence comprises five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a grand staircase, and 52 windows offering breathtaking panoramic views across the city.