Carlos Slim Helú, the Mexican mogul, is considered the third richest man in the world according to Forbes magazine. Slim's fortune is estimated in $35 billion. Slim, 69 years old, was born in Mexico to Lebanese parents.
Keith Dannemiller, ZUMA Press
Carlos Slim is widowed and has 6 children. They are actively involved in his father's business. The heir of the Slim family immigrated to Mexico around 1910 and invested his money in real estate. His family also had a little store, "The Orient Star" in downtown Mexico City.
Victor Chavez, WireImage
Slim became a "big fish" when he won the bid for the privatization of the state monopoly 'Teléfonos de México' (TELMEX). Another momentum for Slim happened during the presidency of Jose López Portillo (1976-1982) who nationalized the Mexican banks. Companies were sold for much less than their real value. Slim bought 'Seguros de Mexico', the Mexico largest insurer, for just $44 million.
Gregory Bull, AP
Carlos Slim reached an agreement with the New York Times Company for $250 million loan. With this investment, the Mexican billionaire is helping the Times Company with its debts and other financial problems.
Getty Images
One of the big questions is who will continue the Slim's legacy? It is a an enormous challenge for his sons. People who know the businessman say that he is one of a kind.
ZUMA Press
Slim owns more than 200 companies, which include numerous hotels and other businesses. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal he said, "part of my ability is to discover investment opportunities early."
Sarah Meghan Lee, Chicago Tribune / MCT
Carlos Slim accumulated his impressive fortune in Mexico, a very poor nation where the per capita income is less than $6,800 a year and half of the population lives in poverty.
ZUMA Press
Mexicans jokingly use the phrase: "Can you live a day without Slim?" In Mexico, if you buy a car, a house, health insurance, coffee or just use your cell phone, it's probably related in some way or another to Slim's business empire.
Jaime Puebla, AP
According to a recent interview in "The New Yorker", Slim likes to buy brand names. Probably, this is one of the reasons that he has closed deals with Sear, Denny's, Firestone, etc.
AP
Slim's principle in the middle of the economic downturn is: "Mantain austerity in times of fat cows", according to Forbes magazine. He controls 90% of Mexico's telephone landlines. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Slim are good friends.
AFP/ Getty Images
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