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Ludwig Merckle

Ludwig Merckle

Ludwig Merckle (#164)

Global Rank #164
Country Rank #8
Country Germany

I did not want to brood on the past, but to look ahead, to secure the family heritage.

  • $ 18 B
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Germany
  • M
  • 61 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #164
Country Rank #8
Net Worth $17.6B
Previous Worth $17.8B
Worth Change -$0.2B
Country Germany
Industry Pharmaceuticals
Age 61 Years
Gender M
Worth As Of April 29, 2026
Residence Ulm, Germany
Citizenship Germany
World Billionaires List Germany Billionaires Pharmaceuticals

Profile Data

Personal Stats

Age 61
Source Of Wealth Pharmaceuticals
Residence Ulm, Germany
Citizenship Germany
Marital Status Married
Children 2
Net Worth Change -$0.2B -1.1% from previous worth
Previous Net Worth $17.8B
Current Net Worth $17.6B

Worth as of April 29, 2026

About Me

Ludwig Merckle owns 28% of construction group Heidelberg Materials, which he took over in crisis after the death of his father, Adolf, in 2009. Along with other members of his family, he owns Phoenix Pharma SE, a drug wholesaler that also operates a chain of retail pharmacies. His father died by suicide during a debt crisis that threatened to crush the family fortune until Ludwig orchestrated a turnround. To finance the rescue, he refinanced debt, sold drug maker Ratiopharm and a large stake in Heidelberg, and nearly had to sell Phoenix. He owns the snowcat maker Kaessbohrer and is co-owner of Zollern, which makes a range of products including bearings, gears, winches and motors.

Achievements

Forbes List Highlights

A snapshot of the list placements and rankings connected to Ludwig Merckle.

#156
Billionaires (2026)

Insights

Did You Know?

Ludwig Merckle was named Family Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 by PwC's INTES Family Business Academy.

A naturalist by hobby, he also owns the forestry company Blauwald.

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Ludwig Merckle's net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Worth Trend Net Worth Growth
Period Change Worth Movement
Current Net Worth: $17.6B (April 29, 2026)

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