Top 10 Richest People in The World 2010

There are some people in this world who have been successfully able to mark their presence in their respective domains. Their continuous effort, determination, and grit have made them not only a huge success in their own field but have also helped them garner accolades from all segments. The average net worth of the world’s billionaires in 2010 is $3.5 billion, an increase of $500 million from last year. Globally, there are now 1,011 billionaires, up from 793 in 2009, but that number is still lower than the record 1,125 set in 2008. Here is the Forbes list of the top 10 richest people in the world whose life can serve as an inspiration to many.

No.1 Carlos Slim Helu

$53.5 billion

Telecom, Mexico.

Telecom tycoon who pounced on privatization of Mexico’s national telephone company in the 1990s becomes the world’s richest person for the first time after coming in third place last year. Net worth up $18.5 billion in a year. Recently received regulatory approval to merge his fixed-line assets into American Movil, Latin America’s biggest mobile phone company.

No.2 Bill Gates

$53 billion

Microsoft, U.S.

Bill Gates is now the world’s second-richest man. Net worth was still up $13 billion in a year as Microsoft shares rose 50% in 12 months, and the value of investment vehicle Cascade swelled. More than 60% of fortune is held outside Microsoft; investments include Four Seasons hotels, Televisa, and Auto Nation. Stepped down from day-to-day duties at Microsoft in 2008 to focus on philanthropy.

No.3 Warren Buffett

$47 billion

Investments, U.S.

America’s favorite investor up $10 billion in past 12 months on surging Berkshire Hathaway shares; says the U.S. has survived economic “Pearl Harbor,” but warns recovery will be slow. Shrewdly invested $5 billion in Goldman Sachs and $3 billion in General Electric amid the 2008 market collapse. Recently acquired railroad giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe for $26 billion.

No.4 Mukesh Ambani

$29 billion

Petrochemicals, oil, and gas. India.

Global ambitions: His Reliance Industries, already India’s most valuable company, recently bid $2 billion for a 65% stake in troubled Canadian oil sands outfit Value Creations. The firm’s $14.5 billion offer to buy bankrupt petrochemicals maker LyondellBasell was rejected. Since September company has sold Treasury shares worth $2 billion to be used for acquisitions. His late father, Dhirubhai, founded Reliance and built it into a massive conglomerate.

No.5 Lakshmi Mittal

$28.7 billion

Steel, India

London’s richest resident oversees ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel maker. Net profits fell 75% in 2009. Mittal took a 12% pay cut but an improved outlook pushed the stock up one-third in the past year. Looking to expand in India; wants to build steel mills in Jharkhand and Orissa but has not received government approval. Earned $1.1 billion for selling his interest in a Kazakh refinery in December.

No.6 Lawrence Ellison

$28 billion

Oracle, U.S.

Oracle founder’s fortune continues to soar; shares have up 70% in the past 12 months. The database giant has bought 57 companies in the past five years. Completed $7.4 billion buyout of Sun Microsystems in January; acquired BEA Systems for $8.5 billion in 2008. Studied physics at U. of Chicago; didn’t graduate. Started Oracle in 1977; took public a day before Microsoft in 1986.

No.7 Bernard Arnault

$27.5 billion

Luxury goods, France

Bling is back, helping fashion icon grab title of richest European as shares of his luxury goods outfit LVMH–maker of Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon–surge 57%. LVMH is developing upscale Shanghai commercial property, L’Avenue Shanghai, with Macau billionaire Stanley Ho.

No.8 Eike Batista

$27 billion

Mining, oil, Brazil

Vowing to become the world’s richest man–and he may be on his way. This year’s biggest gainer added $19.5 billion to his personal balance sheet. Son of Brazil’s revered former mining minister who presided over mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce got his start in gold trading and mining.

No.9 Amancio Ortega

$25 billion

Fashion retail, Spain

Style maven lords over Inditex; fashion firm, which operates under several brand names including Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Stradivarius, has 4,500 stores in 73 countries including new spots in Mexico and Syria. Set up a joint venture with Tata Group subsidiary to enter India in 2010. Betting on Florida real estate: bought Coral Gables office tower that is currently home to Bacardi USA.

No.10 Karl Albrecht

$23.5 billion

Supermarkets, Germany

Owns discount supermarket giant Aldi Sud, one of Germany’s (and Europe’s) dominant grocers. Has 1,000 stores in the U.S. across 29 states. Estimated sales: $37 billion. Plans to open New York City store this year. With younger brother, Theo, transformed his mother’s corner grocery store into Aldi after World War II. Brothers split ownership in 1961; Karl took the stores in southern Germany, plus the rights to the brand in the U.K., Australia, and the U.S. Theo got northern Germany and the rest of Europe.

The average net worth of the world’s billionaires in 2010 is $3.5 billion, an increase of $500 million from last year. Globally, there are now 1,011 billionaires, up from 793 in 2009, but that number is still lower than the record 1,125 set in 2008.