Victor Pinchuk - Multibillionaire with a reputation
Net Worth: $8.79 billion (June 2008)
Age: 47 years old
Marital status: Married, has a son and a daughter
Last year: $7 billion
Industry: Metallurgy, finances
It was three years ago. A businessman, Victor Pinchuk, received officials from European Commission, western businessmen and foreign public figures in Yalta. Under the ringing silverware at Livadia palace, the guests profusely recommended the quickest possible ways to the European integration and economic prosperity of Ukraine. Nothing new. Text book rules that any developing country should use.
Dmitry Kiselev, a well-known Russian journalist was passing by the palace columns carrying an empty plate. Asked by Korrespondent: “Why do you think Pinchuk needs it all?” Kiselev had an answer ready: “Millionaires dream of earning a billion. And multimillionaires dream of earning a reputation”.
A reputation ordeal went well for a large Pinchuk family. Pinchuk’s Foundation continues to bring into the country celebrities of international policy making, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Nobel prize winner for peace, Muhammad Yunus and musician Paul Mccartney.
Having strengthened his reputation well enough, Pinchuk took roots in the places, where reputation is especially valued. This spring, the owner of Interpipe corporation purchased the world’s most expensive (as of then) mansion. This mansion initially hosted a private boarding-school for girls. Five-storied house, built in vicinity style, has the total area of 2,000 square meters. It is located in one of the prestigious London districts– Kensington.
The cost of this real estate is GBP 80 million ($160 millions). The new settlers undertook a repair in the house, which would additionally require at least GBP 10 million ($20 million). There is a gym in the mansion, pool, sauna and a movie theater. A Japanese park with an artificial waterfall adjoins the building. “It is well-known that I have rather unusual taste”, this is what the richest man of all times, the legendary count Monte-Cristo said about his Paris house. Pinchuk’s taste is somewhat similar.
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