Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the principal heir of L’Oreal and recognized as the world’s wealthiest woman, has achieved a groundbreaking financial feat, crossing the $100 billion net worth mark. This significant financial accomplishment was highlighted in a recent Bloomberg report.
The valuation surge aligns with L’Oreal’s remarkable performance, witnessing its stocks reach unprecedented highs. Consequently, Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth is now estimated at $100.2 billion, as detailed by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
At 70 years old, Bettencourt Meyers stands as the sole successor to Liliane Bettencourt, the daughter of L’Oréal’s founder, Eugène Schueller. Following her mother’s demise in 2017, Francoise inherited substantial company stakes, currently holding a commanding 34% of L’Oreal’s shares. She assumes pivotal roles as the chairwoman of Tethys, the family’s holding entity, and as the vice chairwoman of L’Oreal Group’s board.
L’Oreal’s dominant stature in the cosmetics sector is underscored by its impressive stock surge of 35% this year, marking its most fruitful period since 1998. This growth trajectory aligns with the increasing luxury goods consumption trend observed during the global pandemic.
Boasting an expansive brand portfolio, from Lancôme to Maybelline, L’Oreal Group reported sales exceeding $42 billion (€38 billion) in 2022. Furthermore, L’Oreal’s strategic expansion was evident when it acquired the Australian cosmetics entity, Aesop, for a noteworthy $2.5 billion, marking its most substantial brand investment, as cited by financial analytics platform Dealogic.
Bettencourt Meyers’ financial ascent places her as the world’s 12th wealthiest individual, trailing closely behind Mexican magnate Carlos Slim, another recent entrant to the $100 billion elite club. Notably, tech mogul Elon Musk leads the chart with an estimated net worth nearing $240 billion, followed by Bernard Arnault of LVMH, boasting a fortune of approximately $180 billion.
