Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler’s Wealth

How Much is Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler Worth?

$6.5 Billion

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler: A Brief Biography

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler is a German businesswoman, born on August 17, 1941 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She is renowned as an owner of Schaeffler AG and Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, commonly known as the Schaeffler Group. Widely recognized as one of the world’s most prosperous businesswomen, she inherited her wealth as the widow of Georg Schaeffler, a former German industrialist.

As of 2016, her net worth is estimated to be $6.5 billion, accumulated mainly from her active involvement in the business operations of the Schaeffler Group, which her late husband, Georg Schaeffler, left for her upon his passing.

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler’s Net Worth: $6.5 Billion

After growing up in Vienna, Austria, Maria married Georg in 1963. They relocated to Germany, where Georg managed his business producing rolling bearings under the company, Schaeffler Group. Maria actively supported him until his death in 1996, after which she inherited ownership of the company. Subsequently, she expanded and elevated the company to become one of the global leaders in rolling bearing production, thereby vastly augmenting her personal wealth.

Under Maria’s stewardship, the Schaeffler Group made significant strategic business moves such as acquiring FAG Kugelfischer and taking over LuK GmbH. In 2008, it purchased the larger company, Continental AG, further cementing its status as a major player in the rolling bearings industry and substantially boosting Maria’s wealth.

Maria’s business acumen has earned her numerous accolades and awards. Notable among these are the Cross of Merit with Ribbon from the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce, the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2003, and the title of “Family Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2004, awarded by Impulse magazine. In 2012, she received the “Gold Medal of the District,” among others, acknowledging her as a highly accomplished and skilled business figure in Germany.

On the personal front, Maria married Jürgen Thumann, a former President of the Federation of German Industries, in 2014 after Georg’s passing. They currently reside in Franconia, Bavaria. Her son, Georg, also works alongside her in the business. At 74 years old, Maria continues to relish her position as one of Germany’s most successful businesswomen, with her present net worth estimated at $4.5 billion.