The man who will take over the R209 billion Rupert empire.

The man called Anton Rupert,Is the son of South Africa’s most wealthiest man, Johann Rupert, is poised to take over the family’s vast business empire, valued of total R209 billion. This includes control over major companies like Richemont, Remgro, and Reinet—conglomerates that span industries such as luxury goods, finance, and investment.Johann Rupert, a household name in South Africa and one of the most influential businessmen in Africa, inherited his wealth from his father, Anton Rupert, who founded the Rembrandt Group. Rembrandt was initially a leader in South Africa’s tobacco industry but soon expanded into sectors like mining, engineering, food, and financial services in the 1970s.Johann joined the family business in 1984, where he transformed Rembrandt into a global enterprise. Over the years, the company evolved into what we now know as Remgro, Richemont, and Reinet. Remgro, headquartered in Stellenbosch, is an investment holding company with stakes in a range of industries, including banking, healthcare, and food. Richemont, based in Switzerland, is a luxury goods conglomerate known for its prestigious brands in jewellery, watches, and accessories. Reinet, a Luxembourg-based investment vehicle, was spun off from Richemont in 2008.As of December 2024, Remgro had a market capitalization of R83 billion, Richemont was valued at R1.48 trillion, and Reinet stood at R88 billion. The Rupert family holds substantial shares in all three companies, including a controlling interest in Remgro’s voting rights, and a significant influence over Richemont and Reinet.At 74, Johann Rupert has begun planning for his succession. He has made changes to the leadership within his companies, elevating younger managers into key positions. While he’s publicly acknowledged the existence of a succession plan, he has kept the specifics private, aiming to avoid undue pressure on the chosen successor. The Rupert family has been at the helm of their business empire since the days of Anton Rupert Sr., and it’s expected that this will continue with Anton Jr. stepping into his father’s shoes.Anton Rupert, who generally keeps a low profile, is already involved in several Rupert-owned companies. He became a non-executive director at Richemont in 2017 and is also involved in strategic roles across various Rupert enterprises, including Remgro. Anton is known for his expertise in digital marketing and consumer behavior and has gained exposure to the family’s businesses since 2009. In addition to his work with Rupert-owned firms, he has served on advisory boards for private equity funds and digital platforms.While Anton’s public presence is minimal, he has made headlines on occasion. In 2008, he was involved in a car accident while driving his father’s 1995 Ferrari F50. Johann Rupert defended his son, noting that Anton had been trusted with the family’s vintage cars, having completed an advanced driving course and participated in high-profile events. Anton also faced controversy in 2015 when neighbors at his De Waterkant home in Cape Town complained about excessive noise from parties at his residence. In response, he apologized for the disturbances and promised to prevent future issues.Despite his low-key lifestyle, Anton Rupert’s growing role in the Rupert family business suggests that he is preparing to take the reins of one of Africa’s most powerful and influential business empires.