A Quick Look at Bernardo Caprotti

Category:: Richest Business › Richest Billionaires
Net Worth:: $2.4 Billion
Birthdate:: Oct 7, 1925 - Sep 30, 2016 (90 years old)
Profession:: Founder and Owner of Esselunga
Nationality:: Italian

How Much is Bernardo Caprotti Worth?

Let me tell you about Bernardo Caprotti, the legendary Italian entrepreneur whose net worth reached an impressive $2.4 billion. Caprotti’s name made it onto the billionaire list this year, thanks to his ownership of Esselunga—a privately held company that ranks as the third-largest grocery chain in Italy. Now, here’s the backstory: back in 1957, Caprotti teamed up with none other than Nelson Rockefeller, the future vice president of the United States, to launch the first supermarket in Italy. That’s right, they started out in a garage in the heart of Milan. Caprotti was so determined to keep control of his vision that when he learned Rockefeller planned to partner with his rivals, he offered him a bigger stake just to stay in the game. By 1964, Caprotti had expanded to 16 supermarkets across three Italian cities, setting the stage for what would become a retail powerhouse.

Growth and Legacy of Esselunga

Fast forward to today, and Esselunga has grown into a major player in northern Italy, generating an impressive $9.2 billion (6.8 billion euros) in revenue. But Bernardo Caprotti wasn’t just about business—he was also a writer. In 2007, he penned a book criticizing corruption between rival Coop Italia and local politicians. While his bold statements earned him a fine of $400,000 (300,000 euros), it didn’t stop him from speaking his mind. In fact, Caprotti often fired off sharp letters to newspaper editors whenever he felt misrepresented in the Italian media. His family drama also made headlines when, in 2005, he transferred 92% of his stake in Esselunga to his two children, only to take it back six years later. Despite a legal battle with his kids, Caprotti won the case, proving that even at 90 years old, he wasn’t one to back down from a fight.

Final Thoughts on Bernardo Caprotti

Bernardo Caprotti’s life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and unyielding determination. From starting a supermarket in a garage to building a billion-dollar empire, Caprotti left an indelible mark on the Italian business landscape. His story isn’t just about money—it’s about standing up for your beliefs, taking risks, and never losing sight of your vision. Whether you’re inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit or his no-nonsense attitude, there’s no denying that Bernardo Caprotti was a force to be reckoned with.