Family offices are defined as private wealth management firms that manage the assets and investments of high-net-worth individuals and families. They provide various services, including investment management, estate planning, tax advice, and philanthropic giving. Many of the world’s wealthiest families have established family offices to manage their wealth and ensure its preservation for future generations. In part three, we take a look at more of the world’s top family offices and what sets them apart.
- Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding is a family office that manages the wealth of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The office was established in 2004 and has grown to become one of the most prominent and diversified family offices in the world. Dubai Holding manages a portfolio of over 20 companies, including real estate, hospitality, tourism, and telecommunications businesses. The family office is known for its innovative approach to investment and its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Dubai Holding’s real estate arm, Dubai Properties, has developed many iconic projects in Dubai, including Jumeirah Beach Residence, Business Bay, and the mixed-use development City Walk. The family office is also involved in the hospitality industry, with its subsidiary Jumeirah Group managing a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. Dubai Holding’s other investments include Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Design District, and Dubai Holding Skydive. Overall, Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio and innovative approach to investment have made it one of the world’s top family offices.
- Pontegadea Inversiones
Pontegadea Inversiones is the family office of Amancio Ortega, the founder of the fashion retailer Zara. The office manages Ortega’s fortune, which is estimated to be worth more than $70 billion. Pontegadea Inversiones primarily focuses on real estate investments, with a portfolio that includes properties in Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The family office is known for its conservative investment approach and long-term perspective.
Pontegadea Inversiones’ real estate holdings include some of the most iconic properties in the world, such as the Torre Picasso in Madrid, the Devonshire House in London, and the former New York Times building in Manhattan. The family office is also involved in the hotel industry, with its subsidiary Pontegadea Hospitality managing a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Overall, Pontegadea Inversiones’ conservative investment approach and its focus on real estate have made it one of the world’s top family offices.
- The Woodbridge Company
The Woodbridge Company is a private investment holding company that was founded by the late billionaire businessman Kenneth Thomson in 1974. The account is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and invests in a diverse range of industries, such as media, retail, real estate, and technology. Woodbridge is a long-term investor that typically takes a hands-off approach to manage its portfolio companies and seeks to create value by providing capital and strategic guidance.
One of the Woodbridge Company’s most significant holdings is Thomson Reuters, a multinational media conglomerate specializing in financial information and news. Woodbridge has a controlling stake in the company, and as of 2021, it was reported that the Thomson family’s net worth was estimated to be around $39 billion. Woodbridge also has a significant presence in the real estate industry through its ownership of the Cadillac Fairview Corporation, which is one of the largest commercial real estate companies in North America. In addition to its investments, Woodbridge is also actively involved in philanthropic activities and supports various charitable causes through the Thomson Family Foundation.
- Fedesa
Fedesa S.A.M. is the Monaco-based single-family office of the Italian chocolate-making giant Ferrero, with its European headquarters. The firm was established in 2016 and is based out of Monaco. It manages nearly $55 billion in assets belonging to the Ferrero family. Fedesa is known for its active approach to investing, focusing on identifying undervalued assets and turning them around for a profit.
- Waycrosse
Waycrosse is the family office of the Canadian billionaire Weston family. The office manages the family’s investments in various industries, including food and beverage, retail, and financial services. The family’s retail holdings include Loblaw Companies Limited, which is the largest food retailer in Canada.
Waycrosse is known for its conservative investment approach and long-term perspective, focusing on investing in businesses with strong fundamentals and sustainable competitive advantages. Their disciplined approach to investing and seeking to identify opportunities that have the potential to generate attractive long-term returns. In addition to its investment activities, Waycrosse is actively involved in philanthropy and supports a variety of charitable causes. Current assets for Waycrosse are $65,200,000,000.
In part four of our series, we will highlight more of the world’s top family offices.