Susanne Quandt (now with the last name of Klatten) is the richest woman in Germany and the 44th richest person in the world with a net worth of $14.6 billion. Her wealth comes from being the daughter of Herbert Quandt, the man who stepped in and saved BMW when the company was nearly bankrupt, building it into the massive car company it is today. She has grown into a very accomplished businesswoman, but here are five things you didn’t know about Susanne Quandt.
5. She met her husband while he was working for BMW
Susanne was working as an intern at BMW when she met her future husband, Jan, who was an engineer with the company at the time. Susanne actually used a false last name until she was very sure about her relationship with Jan, eventually revealing that she was the daughter of the industrialist, Herbert Quandt.
4. She was almost kidnapped
When Susanne was 16 years old she was nearly kidnapped, but luckily the attempt was messed up and the police were able to protect her. As a result of this Susanne now leads as private of a life as she can, normally dressing in nice, but not too fancy when out in public.
3. She was blackmailed for supposedly having an affair
In 2008 a man reportedly blackmailed Susanne saying that he would release tapes of the two having an affair unless she paid him 14 million euros. She eventually transferred him $7.5 million after he claimed that the mafia was threatening to take his life, but he was arrested in 2009 and plead guilty to all crimes. Even his counsel claimed that the accusations were accurate and he was sentenced to six years in prison.
2. She has made great investment decisions
Susanne inherited her father’s 50.1% investment in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturer, Altana. She eventually bought all of the company’s shares that she did not yet own. Susanne also holds 25% of a German turbine manufacturer and 8% of the SGL Group; a German graphite maker.
1. Her and her brother want to completely control BMW
Susanne and her brother inherited their father’s shares of BMW when he passed away and are currently sitting on the supervisory board. The two eventually would like to completely own the company after inheriting their mother’s shares after she passes away. Susanne and her brother currently own a collective 29.9% of the company and will inherit another 16.7% from their mother.
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