The Unveiling of Berlusconi’s Will
Berlusconi’s will, written in January 2022 during a hospital stay, revealed his intentions regarding the division of his vast fortune. The bulk of his wealth, tied up in his holding company Fininvest, was earmarked for his two eldest children, Marina and Pier Silvio, from his first marriage. Marina, 56, has long been considered Berlusconi’s heir apparent and has been Fininvest’s chairwoman since 2005. Pier Silvio, 54, serves as CEO of MediaForEurope, a position he assumed in 2015.
The Distribution of Wealth
Under Italian law, if a deceased person has several children but no surviving spouse, two-thirds of the estate must be divided equally among the heirs. In Berlusconi’s case, this meant that Marina, Pier Silvio, Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi would each receive a portion of his estate.
Based on the contents of the will, Marina and Pier Silvio will now each control an estimated 26.5% stake in Fininvest, while Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi will each hold 15.6%. In addition to Fininvest, the children will also divide Berlusconi’s assets outside the company, including various properties in Italy, France, and Antigua.
Marina Berlusconi: The Heir Apparent
Marina Berlusconi, the eldest daughter of Silvio Berlusconi, has been actively involved in the family business for many years. She joined Fininvest at the age of 29 and became vice president of the company. In 2005, Marina assumed the role of chairman, a position she still holds today. Her leadership and business acumen have earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in the world.
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Pier Silvio Berlusconi: Leading the Media Empire
Pier Silvio Berlusconi, Silvio Berlusconi’s second-eldest child, has made significant contributions to his father’s media businesses. After starting his career at Berlusconi’s marketing agency, Publitalia, Pier Silvio went on to work for television networks. In 2015, he was appointed CEO of MediaForEurope, a position he has held since then. Pier Silvio also sits on the boards of Fininvest and Mondadori, further cementing his pivotal role in the family’s media empire.
Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi: The Youngest Heirs
Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi are Silvio Berlusconi’s three youngest children from his marriage to actress Veronica Lario. Barbara, 38, has served on the board of Fininvest and previously worked for the Italian soccer team A.C. Milan, which was later sold to Chinese investors. Luigi, aged 34, has been a director of Mediolanum and Fininvest since 2007 and 2012, respectively. Eleonora, aged 37, has a less well-known profile and does not appear to have an official role in her father’s companies.
Additional Beneficiaries
In addition to his children, Silvio Berlusconi named other beneficiaries in his will. His partner, Marta Fascina, received 100 million euros ($110 million), while an equal amount was set aside for his older brother, Paolo. Paolo took over the Italian newspaper Il Giornale from Silvio in the 1990s and later sold a 70% stake in the publication. Marcello Dell’Utri, a longtime friend and political ally, was also named as a beneficiary, receiving 30 million euros ($33 million). The rest of Berlusconi’s money will be divided among his children after paying an estimated 4% inheritance tax.
The Future Fortunes of Berlusconi’s Children
After inheriting their father’s fortune, Marina and Pier Silvio are projected to have a net worth of about $1.9 billion each. Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi, on the other hand, are expected to be worth around $1 billion each. These substantial inheritances ensure that Silvio Berlusconi’s children will have significant financial resources at their disposal, solidifying their positions in the business world and in society.
