Mexico’s Slim close to top spot of world’s wealthiest

Look out Bill Gates; Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim (image) has become the world’s second-richest person according to Forbes. The magazine estimates that Slim’s fortune has grown by $4 billion to $53.1 billion due to a rise in stocks in the numerous companies he owns.

Slim’s business holdings are very extensive according to Reuters:

“Slim's companies have such an octopus-like reach in Mexico that it is difficult to spend a day in the country without putting more pesos in his pockets.

His empire also includes telephone giant Telmex, department stores, a banking group, restaurants and other firms that make cigarettes, kitchen and floor tiles.”

Image- CNBC

Links- Guardian UK, SignOnSanDiego.com, The Age