What is Jean-Michel Besnier's Net Worth?
Jean-Michel Besnier is a notable French heir with an impressive net worth of $2.9 billion. Born in 1968, Besnier has ascended as one of the wealthiest individuals in France, largely attributed to his family's substantial fortune. Following the passing of his father, Michael Besnier, in 2000, Jean-Michel, along with his siblings Emmanuel and Marie, inherited the multinational dairy giant Lactalis.
History of the Besnier Family Business
The roots of the Besnier family's wealth trace back to 1933 when Jean-Michel's grandfather, André Besnier, laid the foundation of a small cheese-making enterprise. This company, originally known as Besnier, launched its iconic Président brand by 1968.
Over the decades, the company underwent several strategic mergers with other dairy companies, such as Bridel and Sorrento. By 1999, the Besnier Group had transformed into Lactalis Group, which stands today as a global leader in the dairy industry.
Lactalis Group: A Global Leader
Under the stewardship of the Besnier family, Lactalis has expanded dramatically. It now operates over 50 sites worldwide with a workforce exceeding 52,000 employees. The company's portfolio boasts several renowned brands, including Valmont, Président, Société, Rachel's Organic, and Bridel. Such extensive growth solidified its position as the largest dairy products company in the world.
Strategic Acquisitions and Financial Stability
Lactalis' robust financial health was underscored in 2011 when the Besnier siblings, through another holding company, acquired a controlling stake in the Italian milk producer Parmalat, rescuing it from bankruptcy. Prior to this acquisition, the family had maintained full ownership of Lactalis and kept a relatively low public profile.
