• Source:JND
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The Walton, heirs of Walmart fortune, have yet again become the wealthiest family in the world, with their combined net worth now reaching a whopping 432 billion USD (₹36.99 lakh crore). This staggering amount is more than the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a number of nations like Greece (about 300 billion USD / Rs 25.68 lakh crore), Hungary (200 billion USD / Rs 17.12 lakh crore), and even Iran (approx 400 billion USD / Rs 34.24 lakh crore). Established by Sam Walton and his brother Bud Walton in 1962, Walmart expanded from being a small-town Arkansas retail store in the USA to the world's largest retailer with more than 10,750 stores across the globe, 4,600 of which are founded in US. The family’s fortune is primarily managed through Walton Enterprises, spanning across three generations and diversified well beyond retail.

A Retail Empire Born in Small-Town America

The humble beginnings of this international empire are as modest as they are inspiring. Sam Walton, known for his frugal lifestyle and disciplined work ethic, had set the tone for Walmart’s growth through low prices and high value. After Sam died in 1992 and Bud’s in 1995, their descendants continued to drive the company’s expansion, turning Walmart into a symbol of American retail dominance. The Waltons' combined net worth of 432 billion USD (₹36.99 lakh crore) is higher than Greece's entire GDP, Hungary's entire GDP, and almost Iran's entire GDP. This stark contrast demonstrates the increasing financial power of super-wealthy families in a more unequal global economic system. Even with their enormous wealth, the family keeps a low profile from the public eye, opting for subtle power through money and strategic actions.

The Waltons have continued to diversify their investments outside of retail. In 2022, they made global news headlines by  buying the Denver Broncos NFL team for a record 4.7 billion USD (Rs 40,220 crore), one of the costliest sports deals in history. The purchase was spearheaded by Greg Penner, son-in-law of Sam Walton and chairman of Walmart today. Their sports empire also extends to European and American leagues via Stan Kroenke, who married Ann Walton, daughter of Bud Walton. Kroenke owns teams like Arsenal FC (UK), the LA Rams (NFL), the Denver Nuggets (NBA), and the Colorado Avalanche (NHL). The Waltons' life also reflects their vast wealth. The 300 million USD (₹2,568 crore) superyacht "Kaos" of Nancy Walton Laurie is one of the most vivid symbols. Originally owned by Qatari royalty, the yacht has turned into a floating palace as well as the world's largest private yacht owned by a woman.

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The World's Richest Families After The Waltons

These are other super-rich dynasties who come behind the Waltons:

• The Al Nahyan family from the United Arab Emirates has an estimated wealth of 323 billion USD (Rs 27.52 lakh crore), primarily generated through oil and investments.
• The Al Thani family of Qatar possesses a fortune of 172 billion USD (Rs 14.65 lakh crore), with major holdings in oil, gas, and global investments.
• The Hermès family of France, known for their luxury brand, commands a wealth of 170.6 billion USD (Rs 14.53 lakh crore) from their luxury goods empire.
• The Koch family in the United States owns 148.5 billion USD ( Rs 12.65 lakh crore), largely derived from Koch Industries, a conglomerate involved in everything from energy to chemicals.
• The Saudi Royal family, based in Saudi Arabia, has an estimated wealth of 140 billion USD (Rs 11.93 lakh crore), primarily built on the country’s vast oil reserves.
• The Mars family of the United States holds 133.8 billion USD (Rs 11.40 lakh crore) in wealth, thanks to their dominance in the food and petcare industry.
• The Ambani family in India, through Reliance Industries, is worth 99.6 billion USD (Rs 8.49 lakh crore), making them the richest family in India.
• The Wertheimer family of France, behind the legendary fashion house Chanel, holds a fortune of 88 billion USD (Rs 7.50 lakh crore).
• The Thomson family in Canada commands 87.1 billion USD (Rs 7.42 lakh crore), built through a long-standing legacy in media and publishing.

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From humble roots to multi-generational billionaires, the Waltons' tale highlights the growing gap between legacy wealth and everyday citizenry. Their kingdom reaches from Walmart aisle shelves to NFL arenas and superyachts, representing the 21st-century face of legacy wealth. With no end in sight, the Walton dynasty is still at the centre of global capitalism, defining what rich means in today's age.