L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers has achieved a significant milestone as the first woman to accumulate a $100 billion fortune, according to the latest ranking of the world's
wealthiest individuals.
Her family's French beauty empire, established by her grandfather, has been experiencing exceptional stock market performance, with L'Oréal shares reaching an all-time high in Paris. This success follows a resurgence in sales for the company after a period of reduced makeup usage during the pandemic lockdowns.
At 70 years old, Bettencourt Meyers' net worth surpassed the $100 billion mark on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, securing her position as the 12th richest person globally. However, she remains behind French business magnate Bernard Arnault, founder of LVMH, who holds the second spot with a net worth of $179 billion, overseeing luxury brands like Fendi and Louis Vuitton under his conglomerate.
Representatives from L'Oréal did not provide an immediate comment to the BBC's inquiry.
Bettencourt Meyers serves as the vice-chairperson of L'Oréal's board and, along with her family, holds the largest stake in the company, owning approximately 35%. She inherited the leadership of L'Oréal after her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, passed away in 2017.
Liliane Bettencourt, frequently recognized as France's wealthiest individual, was closely associated with French leaders and was a familiar figure in the media spotlight. However, in her later years, she was entangled in a public dispute with her only child, Françoise, who accused a photographer and socialite of taking advantage of Liliane's mental vulnerability.
In a televised interview, Liliane expressed frustration, stating, "My daughter could have waited patiently for my death instead of doing all she can to precipitate it."
A French court ruling in 2011 declared Liliane to have a form of dementia, granting Françoise control over her mother's wealth and income, while another family member was entrusted with Liliane's healthcare and physical well-being.
Known for her inclination toward privacy over attending high-profile social events, Bettencourt Meyers devotes several hours a day to playing the piano and has authored two books—an extensive five-volume exploration of the Bible and a genealogy of the Greek gods.
"She truly lives within her own bubble, primarily immersed within her family circle," remarked Tom Sancton, author of The Bettencourt Affair, describing Bettencourt Meyers' lifestyle preferences. Photo by DennisM, Wikimedia commons.