Carlos Slim
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Early Life and Education
Carlos Slim Helú, born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a renowned Mexican business magnate, engineer, investor, and philanthropist. He pursued civil engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he also taught algebra and linear programming while still a student. Additionally, Slim took economics courses in Chile, further broadening his financial expertise.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 28 Jan, 1940
- Age
- 80 yrs
- Citizenship
- Mexico
Show all facts
- Birth Place
- Mexico City
- residence
- Mexico City
- Education
- National Autonomous University of Mexico
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- Mexican business magnate and investor
- Net Worth 2020
- 50 billion
- Net Worth 2021
- 74.7 billion
Career Beginnings and Business Expansion
Carlos Slim began his professional career in 1961 as a stock trader in Mexico. After just four years, his successful investments enabled him to launch his own stock brokerage firm, Inversora Bursátil, in 1965. Over time, Slim expanded his portfolio across various sectors, including construction, telecommunication, real estate, auto parts, soft drinks, copper, cement, insurance, hotels, and paper.
Formation of Grupo Galas
In 1980, Slim consolidated his growing network of companies into a parent firm, Grupo Galas. This holding company oversaw operations spanning construction, mining, retail, food, and tobacco, and laid the foundation for future acquisitions. His strategic focus on underperforming companies with growth potential helped him build a vast and diversified business empire over the following decades.
Wealth and Recognition
For several years, Carlos Slim was recognized as the richest man in the world according to Forbes, with his wealth primarily stemming from his extensive holdings in telecommunications through América Móvil, the largest mobile network operator in Latin America. As of recent years, he remains the richest man in Mexico and one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Carlos Slim married Soumaya Domit in 1967. The couple had six children and remained married until her death in 1999. In her honor and to advance social development, Slim has been active in philanthropic efforts. He established three major non-profit organizations: Fundación Carlos Slim, Fundación Telmex, and Fundación del Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México A.C. These foundations are dedicated to improving education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and the arts, primarily within Mexico.
