Ludwig Kurt Merckle (born 1965) is a German businessman. He is CEO of Merckle Service GmbH. As of October 2021, his net worth is estimated at US$6.3 billion.[1]

Ludwig Merckle
Born1965 (age 58–59)
NationalityGerman
Occupation(s)Chair, Merckle Group
SpouseUrsula Merckle
Children2
ParentAdolf Merckle

Early life

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His father was Adolf Merckle, founder of the Merckle group. Ludwig Kurt Merckle earned a degree in business information technology (Diplom-Wirtschaftsinformatiker) from the University of Mannheim.[2]

Career

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Merckle started his career as a strategic consultant at Roland Berger in 1993. In 1995, he joined his family's business as an assistant manager. In 1997, he was promoted to CEO of Merckle GmbH, parent company of Ratiopharm GmbH. In 2005, he was appointed CEO of VEM Vermögensverwaltung GmbH, and in 2009, CEO of Merckle Service GmbH,[2] after his father committed suicide and left the family group in debt.[3]

In March 2010, the generic drugmaking arm of Merckle, Ratiopharm, was sold to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries for €3.6 billion, 55% of HeidelbergCement for €2.5 billion, and other assets to clear their debts.[4]

Wealth

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According to Forbes, Merckle had a net worth of $6.3 billion, as of October 2021.[1]

Personal life

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Merckle is married to Ursula;[5] they have two children and live in Ulm.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Forbes profile: Ludwig Merckle". Forbes. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Resume of Ludwig Merckle" (PDF). Heidelbergcement.com. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
  3. ^ Gordon Rayner (9 January 2009). "Adolf Merckle: what made this German billionaire commit suicide?". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
  4. ^ Daniel Schäfer (19 March 2010). "Selling the family jewels has preserved Merckle empire". Ft.com. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
  5. ^ Schelling, Peter (19 November 2008). "Hilferufeines Milliardärs". Welt. Retrieved 17 October 2021.