16. Billionaire heirs, the money behind football, and the future of the Body Shop
Dec 7, 2023
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Robert and Steph discuss the rise of billionaire heirs and their changing views on philanthropy. They also delve into the history, sale, and potential revival of the Body Shop brand. Additionally, they analyze the new Premier League TV rights deal and the controversial sale of the Telegraph newspaper. The financial troubles of Wilco and the value of its brand are also explored.
The number of billionaires created through inheritance is surpassing the number of self-made billionaires, leading to concerns about rising inequality and power concentration.
The Abu Dhabi-backed bid to acquire The Telegraph and The Spectator may face rejection, potentially resulting in financial losses for Redbird and Abu Dhabi.
Deep dives
Increase in Billionaires and Dynastic Wealth
According to a report by UBS, the number of billionaires has increased by 7% to 2,544, with their combined wealth reaching $12 trillion, a 9% increase. The report highlights a shift towards dynastic wealth, with more new billionaires created through inheritance than through self-made success. $151 billion was inherited by 53 heirs, surpassing the $141 billion of wealth created by 84 new self-made billionaires. This trend has led to concerns about rising inequality and the concentration of power in the hands of a few powerful families.
Controversy Surrounding Abu Dhabi's Potential Ownership of The Telegraph
Abu Dhabi-based media investor Redbird, backed by the Abu Dhabi state, has provided funding to enable the Barclays brothers to repay Lloyds Bank's £1.2 billion debt, securing control of The Telegraph and The Spectator. However, concerns have been raised about a UK newspaper being owned by a government, leading to an investigation by Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority to determine whether the sale is in the public interest. Should the Abu Dhabi-backed bid be rejected, it is likely that a new auction for the newspapers will be initiated, potentially leading to financial losses for Redbird and Abu Dhabi.
Implications of the Premier League TV Rights Deal
Sky and TNT Sports have secured the Premier League TV rights in a 4-year deal worth £6.7 billion. The deal offers an increase in the number of games and a reduced price per game compared to the previous deal in 2018. While some see this as a win for Sky and other broadcasters, it has raised questions about the future of live sports and streaming services. Ofcom is also investigating the potential impact on impartiality with a government-owned newspaper. Additionally, the fate of Wilco, which went into administration, continues to be uncertain despite the purchase of the brand by the range.
Wilco's Future and the Value of Brand Names
Despite going into administration, the Wilco brand has been purchased by the range. Chris Dawson, the owner of the range, plans to open 300 Wilco stores across the UK, retaining the brand name and indicating the perceived strength of the brand. This suggests that there is value in the Wilco's brand name, despite competition from other discount retailers. However, some question the nostalgia for the brand and its ability to adapt to changing retail landscapes.
Why are the next generation of billionaires breaking away from their family businesses? Who’s winning from Sky’s Premier League TV deal? Does The Body Shop need to go back to its activist roots?
Tune in to hear today’s episode of The Rest Is Money where Robert and Steph answer all these questions and more.