BBI: Russian billionaires lose $30 bln in January–February

MOSCOW, Mar 2 (PRIME) -- The combined fortune of Russia’s billionaires decreased by U.S. $29.54 billion in January–February, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) released on Monday.

The index is calculated basing on capitalization and financial reports of companies owned by the businessmen, or on a capitalization to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio and or a share price to earnings per share ratio. The rating comprises 500 wealthiest people of the world, including 24 Russians.

Vladimir Potanin, one of the core owners of metals giant Norilsk Nickel, was ranked number one among the richest Russians with $28 billion, a decrease of $86.6 million in the period.

Vagit Alekperov, co-owner and the CEO of oil major Lukoil, was second with his wealth falling by $2.6 billion to $19.7 billion.

Vladimir Lisin, the main beneficiary owner of steel producer Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), climbed to the third place from the fourth, with his fortune decreasing by $2.19 billion since the beginning of the year to $19.2 billion.

CEO of independent gas producer Novatek Leonid Mikhelson occupied the fourth position with a $18.2 billion wealth, which has shrunk by $6.39 billion since the beginning of the year.

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