Forbes estimated Hans Riegel’s net worth at nearly $3 billion when the HARIBO executive died in 2013. That is a historical estimate at the time of his death—not a current net-worth figure or an audited personal valuation.
Hans Riegel’s net worth estimates
The published estimates differ by year and should be treated as separate snapshots, not as comparable audited measurements.
| Source and year | Reported estimate | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes, 2013 | Nearly $3 billion | Estimate reported at Riegel’s death. |
| Forbes, 2007 | $1.5 billion | Earlier estimate in a German billionaires profile. |
The sources do not give a detailed method for the nearly $3 billion figure or establish a common methodology connecting the two estimates. The Washington Post’s 2013 obituary also relayed Forbes’ nearly $3 billion estimate; it is corroborating coverage, not a separate valuation. The Washington Post obituary
Why the figure is historical, not current
Riegel died in Bonn on October 15, 2013, aged 90, according to the Hans Riegel Stiftung biography. A net-worth figure attributed to him therefore refers to an estimate at or before his death; it should not be presented as his current personal wealth.
How HARIBO ownership relates to the estimate
Forbes reported that Hans and his brother Paul each owned 50% of HARIBO. The same 2013 report says Paul died in 2009 and left his share to his heirs, while Hans had arranged for his foundation to represent his side after his death. These details describe the ownership account reported by Forbes at that time; they do not establish the company’s current ownership or the value of any heir’s assets.
HARIBO’s official history says the brothers took over management in 1946. Hans led commercial activity, marketing, and sales, while Paul was responsible for production. HARIBO’s company history
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the estimates do—and do not—tell you
- Nearly $3 billion is Forbes’ 2013 estimate at Riegel’s death.
- $1.5 billion is Forbes’ earlier 2007 profile estimate.
- The figures are not documented as audited personal balance sheets, and the available accounts do not explain a shared valuation method.
Because HARIBO was a private family business in the cited accounts, the published estimates should be attributed to Forbes rather than treated as precise, independently verified totals.
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