The rich are getting richer: Quote 500 assets rise 10% in the past year

The richest 500 people in the Netherlands increased their combined wealth by some 10% to nearly €180bn last year, according to the latest issue of the Quote 500 rich list, launched on Monday evening.

Top of the list is Heineken heiress Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, with assets of €14.2bn, a rise of €1.5bn thanks to Heineken’s rising sales, Quote said.

Number two on the list is Frits Goldschmeding, who founded staffing agency Randstad. But his wealth dropped €400m to €4.4bn after the company took a knock on the stock exchange.

New on the list in joint third place are Gerita and Inge Wessels, daughters of construction giant Dik Wessels who died in 2017, with combined assets of €3.6bn. Media tycoon John de Mol with €2.7bn and Luxaflex owner Ralph Sonnenberg with €2.6bn complete the top five.

The Brenninkmeijer family, owner of the C&A high street staples, remain the richest Dutch family.

The Quote analysis has come up with 37 billionaires this year – six more than a year ago. They include Jitse Groen who founded food delivery group Thuisbezorgd (now Takeaway) and Steven Schuurman who set up software group Elastic.

Women account for just 37 on the top 500 list, most of whom inherited their fortunes, Quote said.