Mexico’s Carlos Slim shakes up world rich list

Mexico’s Carlos Slim has topped Forbes magazine’s billionaire list, becoming the first person from outside the US to lead the rankings since 1994.

According to Forbes’ estimates, the net fortune of Slim, 70, who built a telecommunications empire after buying Mexico’s state-run phone monopoly two decades ago, rose by $18.5 billion last year to more than $53 billion.

That beat Microsoft founder Bill Gates ($53bn) into second place, with US investor Warren Buffett ($43bn) third.

The Mexican telecom giant, named the world’s new richest man on Wednesday, first showed a talent for business as a 10-year-old kid when he filled his pockets with pesos selling drinks and snacks to his family.

A spokesman for Carlos Slim refused to confirm the Forbes estimate of the Mexican tycoon’s wealth, saying they did not “waste their time” on such calculations, but he welcomed the result.

“We’re pleased that he has been considered the best businessman of the world,” spokesman Arturo Elias told the BBC. “It means there is trust among the investors.”

The total number of billionaires in 2009 rose from 793 to 1,011, Forbes said.

“The global economy is recovering. The financial markets came back, especially emerging markets,” said magazine editor-in-chief Steve Forbes.

“There’s a 50 percent increase in general global wealth compared to last year,” Forbes said.