The Gates Equation: Bill and Melinda Gates
When news broke of the divorce of philanthropic power couple Bill and Melinda Gates, the world was stunned. After 27 years of marriage, they announced their decision to separate, leaving a staggering $152 billion fortune in their wake. While the exact terms of the divorce were not made public, as residents of Washington, a community property state, an equitable division of their assets was likely. It is estimated that Melinda Gates received approximately $76 billion, making the divorce one of the largest settlements in history.
The Jeff Bezos-MacKenzie Scott Split: A Record Breaking Divorce
Another divorce that sent shockwaves through the financial world was that of Amazon Inc. founder Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott. As the richest man in the world at the time, Bezos’ divorce settlement made headlines for its staggering amount. In 2019, the couple finalised their divorce, with MacKenzie Scott reportedly receiving $38.3 billion. The majority of her share came in the form of Amazon shares, making her one of the richest women in the world overnight.
Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein: A Story of Art, Plastic Surgery and a Huge Settlement
The divorce of Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein captured the public’s attention not only because of the massive settlement, but also because of the unique circumstances surrounding the couple. Alec was an art dealer and racehorse owner, while Jocelyn was known for her extensive plastic surgery. Their divorce, finalised in 1999 after two years of negotiations, resulted in Jocelyn receiving a lump sum of $2.3 billion and $100 million a year for the next 13 years. However, the courts stipulated that none of the settlement money could be used for further cosmetic surgery.
Rupert and Anna Murdoch: The Costly Divorce of a Media Mogul
Rupert Murdoch, the media tycoon behind News Corp and Fox Corporation, went through a high-profile divorce from his first wife, Anna. After three decades of marriage, the couple called it quits in 1999. While the exact amount of the settlement remains undisclosed, reports suggest that Anna received a staggering $1.7 billion, including $110 million in cash. The divorce was not without its challenges, with rumours of Murdoch’s relationship with TV journalist Wendy Deng adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
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Bernie Ecclestone and Slavica Radić: A Formula One Fortune At Stake
Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula One, and Slavica Radić, a fashion model, found themselves embroiled in a high-profile divorce. While their 2009 split was relatively amicable, the settlement raised eyebrows for its unique financial arrangement. Radić received an estimated £730 million ($1.2 billion at the time), but she has been paying Ecclestone around $100 million a year. This arrangement reflects the fact that many of Ecclestone’s assets were held in trust in Radić’s name, allowing her to avoid hefty inheritance taxes.
