Christo Wiese Net Worth

Christo Wiese has an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion, according to Forbes Real-Time Billionaires, Christo Wiese profile (figures as of October 20, 2026). That is down from a peak of $6.3 billion.

Christo Wiese is a South African businessman known for building Pepkor and leading Shoprite for many years. He studied law at Stellenbosch University, then moved into business instead. In 1981, he bought a controlling interest in Pep Stores from a family member and pushed deeper into discount retail. Pepkor grew by keeping prices low in South Africa and later expanding into other African countries. That retail model became the base of his fortune.

His wealth later spread across several listed companies. In 2015, Steinhoff International bought Pepkor for $5.7 billion in cash and stock, a major deal in his career. Shoprite is his most valuable asset, and he also owns stakes in Collins Property Group, Brait and Invicta Holdings. In March 2023, Brait spun off Premier Group in an IPO on the Johannesburg stock exchange, and Wiese owns about 47% of the shares.

How Christo Wiese built his wealth

Wiese made his name in value retail. After training as a lawyer, he shifted into business and took control of Pep Stores in 1981. He built Pepkor by focusing on bargain prices for everyday shoppers in South Africa. The business later expanded into other African countries. He was also the longtime chairman of Shoprite and Pepkor, giving him influence over major retail groups tied to consumer spending.

Retail is still the core of his wealth, but his holdings are broader. His most valuable asset is Shoprite. He also owns stakes in real estate firm Collins Property Group, investment holding company Brait and industrial products distributor Invicta Holdings. A newer piece came in March 2023, when Brait spun off Premier Group in an IPO on the Johannesburg stock exchange. Wiese owns about 47% of Premier Group, adding another listed asset to his portfolio.

Forbes net worth and key money turns

Forbes estimated Wiese at $3.5 billion in 2013 and $6.3 billion in 2015, when Steinhoff International acquired Pepkor for $5.7 billion in cash and stock. Forbes then put him at $5.6 billion in 2017. Later that year, he stepped down as Steinhoff chairman in December 2017 after the company disclosed accounting irregularities. Its share price dropped sharply, and that hit the value of his holdings.

His fortune later recovered in stages. Forbes valued him at $1.2 billion in 2024 and $1.5 billion in 2025. The rebound followed a 2022 settlement of his dispute with Steinhoff for cash and stock, including a 5% stake in Pepkor. As of October 20, 2026, Forbes' real-time billionaires tracker estimated his net worth at $1.9 billion. That figure reflects his stakes in Shoprite, Pepkor-linked assets and other listed investments.