What is Billy Busch's Net Worth?
Billy Busch Sr. is an American businessman and reality television personality with a net worth of $200 million. He earned his fortune as a member of the iconic Busch beer family. Though Billy never worked for the family business, he founded his own beer company, Kräftig, in 2011, which closed in 2019. In 2020, Billy and his family starred in the MTV reality series "The Busch Family Brewed," which aired 10 episodes in one season.
Following personal and business disputes with various family members, Billy was banned from Grant's Farm, the family estate where the famous Clydesdale Horses are kept. As of now, he reportedly has no relationship with his siblings or half-siblings.
In August 2023, Billy made headlines during a book tour for his newly-released book "Family Reigns: The Extraordinary Rise and Epic Fall of an American Dynasty." He expressed interest in buying Bud Light from InBev after its 2023 PR crisis.
Anheuser-Busch
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1959, William K. Busch is the great-grandson of Adolphus Busch.
Adolphus Busch, born in Mainz, Germany, in 1839, co-founded Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest breweries globally. After emigrating to the United States in 1857, he worked as a brewer's apprentice before marrying Lilly Anheuser, the daughter of Eberhard Anheuser, the brewery owner. Adolphus became a partner in the brewery in 1865 and introduced innovations like refrigerated railroad cars, beer bottling, and pasteurization.
In 1876, Adolphus launched Budweiser, which became one of the most popular beers in the U.S. Under his leadership, Anheuser-Busch grew into a major international brewery. He also became a philanthropist, donating to educational and charitable organizations. Adolphus died in 1913, succeeded by his son, August Busch Sr., who continued to grow the company until the Busch family sold Anheuser-Busch to InBev in 2008.
Notable relatives of Adolphus Busch include:
- August Busch Sr. (son): President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch from 1913 to 1934.
- August Busch Jr. (grandson): President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch from 1946 to 1975.
- August Busch III (great-grandson): President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch from 1975 to 1985.
- August Busch IV (great-great-grandson): President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch from 1985 to 2002.
Billy Busch is one of 11 children born to August "Gussie" Busch Jr., who owned the St. Louis Cardinals, later sold by Anheuser-Busch for $150 million in 1995. Billy was the half-uncle of August Busch IV, the last family member to lead the company.
Family Wealth
Between 1989 and 2008, the Busch family sold 25% of Anheuser-Busch to investors. In 2008, the company was acquired by InBev for $52 billion, despite family opposition. Today, the extended Busch family, comprising hundreds of people, is worth a collective $17 billion and is one of America's wealthiest families.
Though frequently referred to as a billionaire, Billy Busch's net worth is estimated in the 9-figure range.
Kräftig
In 2011, Billy and his immediate family launched a brewery called Kräftig, which was shuttered in 2019.
Billy Busch and Christi Busch (Photo by Jim Spellman/Getty Images)
Personal Life
Billy has seven children with his wife, Christi Busch, and an eighth child from a previous relationship. In 1988, he was involved in a high-profile custody battle for this child, ultimately being awarded full custody. Later, the daughter, Scarlett, claimed her childhood was marked by "neglect and abandonment." Scarlett did not participate in the family's reality series.
Billy's son, Billy Busch Jr., runs the hunting/outdoor company Geist. In August 2020, Billy Sr. bought a home in Malibu, California, for $2.7 million for Billy Jr. and his wife, Kirra Seale Busch. The home was listed for sale in November 2023 for $4.45 million.
11-Year-Old Assault Incident
In 2018, Billy pleaded guilty to a peace disturbance charge after grabbing an 11-year-old boy and pushing him into a wall during a basketball practice argument involving his son. Billy claimed he was protecting his son from being bullied. This was the second time Billy faced assault charges; in 1982, he was acquitted of charges for punching a fast food employee at a drive-thru.
Real Estate
Billy Busch's primary residence is a 6,300-square-foot mansion on 4.5 acres in Ladue, Missouri. Outside the city, they own a 700-acre farm, featuring a large lake for boats and jet skis, and over 50 horses.
Grant's Farm
Since 1903, the Busch family has owned an estate called Grant's Farm, home to the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses. Billy lost a family dispute over the farm's control and was banned from the property.
