In recent years, the net worth of Mexican businessman Carlos Slim Helu has skyrocketed to millions, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. With a diverse portfolio of businesses in telecommunications, banking, real estate, and more, Slim has amassed a fortune that is estimated to be worth over $70 billion.
Slim, who was born in Mexico City in 1940, began his career in business at a young age. His father, Julian Slim Haddad, was a successful businessman who owned a dry goods store and real estate properties. Slim studied engineering and economics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and later earned a graduate degree in business from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México.
In the 1960s, Slim began to build his business empire by acquiring a number of Mexican companies in various industries. He founded Grupo Carso, a conglomerate that included businesses in construction, mining, and retail. In the 1980s, he entered the telecommunications industry by acquiring Telmex, Mexico’s national telephone company, and later expanded into other countries in Latin America.
Slim’s business acumen, strategic investments, and willingness to take risks have been key factors in his success. He has been known to invest heavily in industries that are poised for growth, and has a reputation for being a shrewd negotiator. He has also been involved in philanthropy, establishing the Carlos Slim Foundation, which focuses on social development projects in Mexico and Latin America.
In recent years, Slim’s net worth has continued to climb, despite economic challenges in Mexico and around the world. He has diversified his portfolio by investing in companies like America Movil, a telecommunications giant, and Grupo Financiero Inbursa, a banking and financial services company. He has also continued to expand his real estate holdings, with properties in Mexico, the United States, and Europe.
While Slim’s wealth has brought him international fame and recognition, it has also been a source of controversy. Some critics have accused him of monopolizing industries in Mexico and using his influence to gain favorable treatment from the government. Others have cited his enormous wealth as a symbol of the growing income inequality in Mexico and around the world.
Despite these criticisms, Slim remains one of the most successful and influential businessmen in the world. His net worth continues to climb, and he shows no signs of slowing down his investments or philanthropic efforts. As he approaches his 80th birthday, Carlos Slim Helu remains a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and smart business strategies.