Boehringer Ingelheim families become Germany's wealthiest

The Boehringer Ingelheim shareholder families have overtaken Dieter Schwarz as the wealthiest in Germany according to the 2026 Manager Magazin rankings. The pharmaceutical group's wealth is estimated at over 66 billion euros, driven in part by the AI boom and high demand for semiconductor materials used in tech production.

Dieter Schwarz, founder of the Schwarz Group (which owns Lidl and Kaufland), moved to second place despite his personal fortune increasing by approximately 7 billion euros to a total of 53.7 billion euros. The ranking also notes significant growth for Merck KGaA, which holds a wealth of 50.7 billion euros.

The Schwarz Group is currently undertaking its largest single investment to date, planning an 11 billion euro data center in Brandenburg. The company's ownership structure remains complex, utilizing a network of foundations, including the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, to manage its various holdings and ensure long-term stability.