The Slims: The Middle Eastern Family That Owns Mexico

Between the legendary cultures of Mexico and the Middle East emerges a remarkable story of Carlos Slim and The Slim Family embodying the essence of both these worlds - deftly maneuvering away from crushing instability to the heights of unfathomable wealth and almost unmatched political power. ------------------------------ The Gettys: When Billions Can’t Save Your Family: ------------------------------ The Danish Billionaire Who Bought The United Kingdom: ------------------------------ The Hearsts: The First Billionaire Media Family: ------------------------------ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 1:21 Chapter 1: The Lavish Life of The Slim Family 4:52 Chapter 2: The Origins of The Slims 7:20 Chapter 3: The Rise of Carlos Slim 12:22 Chapter 4: The World’s Richest Man 14:54 Chapter 5: The Slim Family and Their Future ------------------------------ Mexico, known for its captivating cuisine and warm people, holds a paradox of joy and struggle. The Middle East mirrors this with its blend of wealth and political unrest. Amidst this, a family’s tale unfolds, bridging these worlds with their journey from Lebanon to Mexico’s peaks, climbing to the pinnacle of global affluence and influence. Carlos Slim, at the helm of this empire, has transformed various industries into lucrative ventures. His empire, from telecoms to banking, includes significant holdings in América Móvil and Grupo Financiero Inbursa, even extending to the New York Times. Slim’s assets aren’t limited to business; his real estate prowess and luxury car collection, including a Bentley and vintage Cadillac, reflect his taste for the finer things. His yacht, the Ostar, exemplifies this extravagance. Yet, Slim leads a surprisingly modest life in Mexico City, embodying a blend of wealth and simplicity. Tracing back to 19th century Lebanon under Ottoman rule, Slim’s grandparents migrated to Mexico, where his parents, Julian Slim Haddad and Linda Helú, furthered their legacy. Julian, a visionary businessman, laid the foundation for the Slim empire in Mexico City, instilling in Carlos a deep understanding of trade and investment. Carlos Slim’s journey to wealth began in Mexico City. From buying shares in the Bank of Mexico at 12 to managing a stock brokerage by university, his financial acumen was evident early. His academic pursuits in civil engineering complemented his business ventures, leading to the establishment of Grupo Carso. His strategic investments across various sectors set the stage for his future dominance. In the early 2000s, Slim’s business ingenuity propelled him to become one of the world’s richest individuals. His portfolio, including retail, technology, and finance, was diverse and impactful. He notably surpassed Bill Gates in 2007, becoming the world’s richest man. Slim’s expansion into telecommunications with Telmex and América Móvil marked a pivotal shift in his empire, extending his influence beyond Mexico. Carlos Slim’s marriage to Soumaya Domit Gemayel in 1967 marked the beginning of a dynasty where family and business intersected. The Slim children, integral to the family’s legacy, are poised to continue their father’s legacy. Each child plays a significant role in maintaining and expanding the family’s empire, ensuring its future prosperity. The Slim family represents a fusion of cultures, business acumen, and philanthropy. Their journey from Lebanon to becoming one of Mexico’s most influential families is a testament to their resilience and strategic vision. As they continue to shape Mexico’s economic and social landscape, their story remains a compelling narrative of success, controversy, and legacy.