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What is Anders Holch Povlsen’s Net Worth?
Anders Holch Povlsen, a Danish billionaire, has an estimated net worth of $8.4 billion. Povlsen’s wealth primarily stems from his ownership of Bestseller, an international retail clothing chain that includes well-known brands such as Vero Moda and Jack & Jones. The company was founded by his parents, and Povlsen became the sole owner at the age of 28. In addition to his retail empire, he holds significant stakes in major online fashion retailers, including a 27% share in ASOS and a 10% share in Zalando, further bolstering his financial portfolio.
Povlsen is also a prominent landowner. He is the largest private landowner in Scotland, with extensive estates that he has acquired over the years. His landholdings include notable properties such as the 47,000-acre estate in Inverness-shire and the 30,000-acre estate near Fort William.
Here’s the breakdown of Anders Holch Povlsen’s net worth:
Name: | Anders Holch Povlsen |
Net Worth: | $8.4 Billion |
Date of Birth: | 4 November 1972 |
Profession: | Businessperson |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life
Anders Holch Povlsen was born on November 4, 1972, in Ringkobing, Denmark. He grew up in a family with a strong entrepreneurial background.
His parents, Troels Holch Povlsen and Merete Bech Povlsen, opened their first clothing store in 1975 in the small Danish town of Brande. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would become a fashion empire.
Anders’ early exposure to the retail clothing business played a crucial role in shaping his future career path. He received his education at Herning Business College, graduating in 1990, and later obtained a joint BA degree.
Career
Anders Holch Povlsen’s career in the fashion industry began early, as he took over his family’s business, Bestseller, at the remarkably young age of 28. Under his leadership, Bestseller transformed into a fashion powerhouse worth $4 billion. The company operates across 45 markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Canada, selling clothes and accessories under various brand names including Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, and Name It.
Povlsen’s business acumen extends beyond Bestseller. He is the largest shareholder in the British online fashion retailer ASOS, holding a 27% stake, and the second-largest shareholder in the German online clothing retailer Zalando. These strategic investments have significantly contributed to his wealth.
As of September 2022, Povlsen’s net worth was estimated at US$11.3 billion, making him the richest person in Denmark. In 2023, he topped Scotland’s rich list with an estimated fortune of £8.5 billion.
As a Landowner
Anders Holch Povlsen is not only a retail mogul but also the largest individual private landowner in the UK. His love affair with Scotland began during a family fishing trip in the 1980s. Since 2006, he has been acquiring vast swathes of land in Scotland, with his holdings now exceeding 220,000 acres across 13 estates. This makes him Scotland’s largest private landowner.
Povlsen’s land acquisitions are part of a long-term vision for conservation and rewilding.
Through his company, Wildland Limited, he manages these estates with a focus on restoring and protecting the natural environment. His ambitious 200-year plan aims to return large parts of the Scottish Highlands to their natural state. This includes extensive tree planting, with over 1.5 million trees already planted on one estate alone.
Personal Life
Anders Holch Povlsen is married to Anne Holch Povlsen (formerly Anne Storm-Pedersen). The couple has faced both joy and tragedy in their personal lives. They had four children: Alma, Agnes, Astrid, and Alfred. Tragically, three of their children – Alma, Agnes, and Alfred – were killed in the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings while the family was on vacation.
Despite their immense wealth, the Povlsens are known for their relatively modest lifestyle. They reportedly sent their children to state schools and Anders is often seen driving an old Volkswagen rather than luxury cars. The family divides their time between their Danish residence, a former royal palace near Aarhus, and their properties in the Scottish Highlands.
In March 2020, less than a year after the tragic loss of their children, the couple welcomed twin girls. They had another son in September 2021.
Ashley Roberts is the founder of Real-Time Billionaires List. She founded this platform because she likes to know how much celebrities are actually making. She is always curious why these people can make much more money than the ordinary person.
With a Bachelor’s degree in finance, she is skilled at financial analysis and understands numbers related to wealth. Most of the articles on this site are edited by herself before publishing.
