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Cosmetic Queen's Crown: Francoise Bettencourt Meyers Reigns as $100 Billion Heiress




A historic moment as she becomes the first woman to achieve a $100 billion fortune.

Fueled by the surge in L'Oréal SA shares, the beauty empire established by her grandfather.




Record Rise: L'Oréal Stocks Propel Wealth to Unprecedented Heights

  • Witnessing a record-high in L'Oréal SA shares, marking the company's best year since 1998.

  • The heiress now holds the 12th spot globally, closely trailing Mexico's Carlos Slim.


Wealth Disparities: Bettencourt Meyers Trails Behind Luxury Titans

  • Despite the achievement, her fortune remains notably less than Bernard Arnault's $179 billion.

  • France's grip on luxury retail is evident with other affluent families, including those behind Hermes and Chanel.


L'Oréal Leadership: Bettencourt Meyers' Role in the Global Giant

  • Serving as the vice-chair of L'Oréal's board, a powerhouse valued at €241 billion ($268 billion).

  • The family holds a significant 35% stake, making them the largest shareholders.


Family Legacy: From Chemist Grandfather to Global Beauty Empire

  • Founded in 1909 by Eugene Schueller, Bettencourt Meyers' chemist grandfather, the firm has evolved into a global giant.

  • Her sons, Jean-Victor Meyers and Nicolas Meyers, contribute as directors in the family-led company.


Luxury Landscape: France's Dominance in High-End Retail

  • Beyond L'Oréal, France's influence in luxury retail extends to LVMH, Hermes, and Chanel.

  • These iconic brands contribute to the country's reputation for housing Europe's largest family fortunes.


Reclusive Leadership: Bettencourt Meyers' Private Stance at 70

  • A rare glimpse into the life of the reclusive heiress, known for avoiding the glitzy social scenes.

  • Her focus on family and business is reflected in her role as a dedicated vice-chair.


Global Ranking and Future Prospects

  • Ranked 12th globally, Bettencourt Meyers' position underscores the strength of France's fashion and cosmetics industries.

  • The future looks promising for L'Oréal stocks, with an optimistic outlook for continued growth.


Legacy and Inheritance: A Family Affair

  • Inheriting wealth post her mother's passing in 2017, Bettencourt Meyers navigated a complex legal battle.

  • The family's legacy extends beyond financial success, encompassing legal and political sagas.


Beyond Beauty: L'Oréal's Resilience Amidst Pandemic Challenges

  • L'Oréal's journey through the pandemic reveals both setbacks and rapid rebounds.

  • Consumer trends impact stock performance, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the beauty industry giant.




Bettencourt Meyers' inheritance became the focal point of a high-profile trial in France, culminating in the conviction of a man charged with exploiting her ailing mother to gain access to the family fortune.


Bettencourt's life was marked by various controversies, including L'Oreal's historical connections, with allegations of profiting from victims of Nazis. L'Oreal's founder and Bettencourt's father, Eugène Schueller, openly supported fascism. Approximately a decade ago, Bettencourt found herself embroiled in a political scandal that implicated numerous French politicians, accusing them of accepting illicit payments.



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