BBI: Russian billionaires lose $31.5 bln in January–May

MOSCOW, Jun 1 (PRIME) -- The combined fortune of Russia’s billionaires decreased by U.S. $31.48 billion in January–May, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) showed 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 his fortune falling by $317 million in January–May to $28.4 billion.

CEO of independent gas producer Novatek Leonid Mikhelson occupied the second position with an $18.8 billion wealth, which has shrunk by $5.74 billion since the beginning of the year.

Vladimir Lisin, the main beneficiary owner of steel producer Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), was third with his fortune decreasing by $3.11 billion to $18.3 billion.

Alexei Mordashov, the main owner of steel producer Severstal, was fourth with his fortune falling by $2.45 billion to $17.5 billion.

Vagit Alekperov, co-owner and the CEO of oil major Lukoil, was on the fifth place with his wealth falling by $4.79 billion to $17.5 billion.

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