The Mulliez family is not only one of the wealthiest in Europe but is also one of the largest. The family’s holding company, Association Familiale Mulliez (AFM), is co-owned by more than 1,000 family members, 600 of which are all millionaires.

The primary source of the family’s wealth can be traced back to 1961, when Gérard Mulliez opened his first Auchan shop in his hometown of Roubaix. Today, the company has grown into a multinational corporation which focuses primarily on retail.

The Mulliez entrepreneurial history dates back to when Gérard Mulliez’s father, Gérard Sr. opened a retail store. Gérard learned the ins and outs of the business, eventually making his way t the position of chairman before branching out on his own at the age of 29.

Gérard Mulliez and his wife have 13 children; however, none the children succeeded him when he stepped down from his CEO position in 2006. It was his nephew Vianney Mulliez who stepped in to fill the void. Vianney previously served the company as Director of Business Development – Auchan Hypermarkets at Auchan Holding SA. Gerard Mulliez’s personal net worth is estimated to be $30 billion.