Mittal third-wealthiest: Forbes

Mittal third-wealthiest: Forbes

Friday, March 11, 2005 (New York):

Indian-born steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal has become the third richest person in the world.

London-based Mittal boosted his fortune after quadrupling his net worth by $18.8 billion to $25 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

Mittal climbed 59 steps from last year to number three in 2005.

Microsoft chief Bill Gates led the list for the eleventh year in a row with a net worth of $46.5 billion followed by Warren Buffet, who had a net worth of $44 billion.

Mexican telecom magnate Carlos Slim Helu came in fourth, up from No. 17 in 2004; Saudi Arabian investor Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud was ranked No. 5 and Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad of Sweden rose to No. 6 from No. 13 last year.

Microsoft's Paul Allen, German supermarket company owner Karl Albrecht, Oracle's Lawrence Ellison - returning to the top 10 after slipping to No. 12 last year - and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s S Robson Walton rounded out the top 10 slots.

Premji moves up

Software giant Wipro chairman Azim Premji stood at number 38, 20 places up from last year, with net worth of $9.3 billion.

Chairman of commodities conglomerate Aditya Birla group Kumar Birla slipped two places from last year to 149 with net worth of $3.7 billion.

Telecom entrepreneur Sunil Mittal improved his position to 164 with net worth of $3.3 billion.

Last year, Mittal was ranked at 186 while construction baron Pallonji Mistry moved up 61 places to 170 with net worth of $3.2 billion.

Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej was pushed to 355 with net worth of $1.9 billion from last year's 277 positions. (PTI)

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