Think fracking pioneer Harold Hamm's divorce was pricey? Think again.
The ex-wife of Russia's richest man Vladimir Potanin wants half his $15 billion
fortune.
The
couple divorced last year. Potanin offered Natalia Potanina, his wife of 30
years, a settlement including a monthly allowance of $250,000 and
properties in Moscow, London, and New York.
But she says that is only a fraction of what is rightfully hers. Natalia claims
Potanin's real wealth is held in offshore companies, and she's launched an
international legal battle to get hold of it.
Vladimir Potanin runs the world's biggest nickel producer
Norilsk Nickel. One of Russian industry's crown jewels, Norilsk has a market
value of more than $30 billion, and Potanin owns 30% of the company.
The former deputy prime minister was one of the main
backers of Russia's bid to host the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, and he invested
heavily in the development of the Olympic village. He also controls a transport
and infrastructure company, a pharmaceutical firm and a ski resort operator.
Natalia says she's owed half of her ex-husband's business
empire, because under Russian law wealth acquired during marriage should be
divided equally.
A half share of $15 billion could buy her the New York
Yankees twice, four Buckingham Palaces, or 14 Airbus super jumbos, but she has
yet to decide how to spend the money should she win the legal battle.
But she is quite clear on what to do with Norilsk Nickel.
"I want to give my shares to the state. I want to
avoid corporate conflicts. I want such a big strategic object to be under the
state control," she told CNN.
She said the divorce has caused her pain. "I feel
offended after living together for 30 years," she said. "I loved him
so much, it was a big personal drama to me."
The couple have three children. Russian media say Potanin
has since remarried.
His lawyer said the current offer should be "more
than enough." A preliminary court hearing to examine Natalia's claims has
been set for July 1.
Before the divorce, Potanin promised to give at least
half of his wealth to charity.
"I also see it as a way to protect my children from
the burden of extreme wealth, which may deprive them of any motivation to
achieve anything in life on their own," Potanin said when he signed up forThe Giving Pledge campaign founded by Warren
Buffett, and Bill and Melinda Gates,
Potanin is not the only Russian oligarch to face a huge
divorce bill. The ex-wife of Dmitry Rybolovlev, who made his fortune in
Russia's fertilizer industry and owns Monaco football club, was awarded $4.5
billion last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment