Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a British billionaire, chemical engineer, and businessman.
He is the chairman and chief executive officer of the INEOS chemicals group, which he founded in 1998.
Ratcliffe recently completed a deal to buy a 25% minority stake in Manchester United, a well-known football club.
This acquisition gives him influence over the football side of the business.
Ratcliffe, who was born in Failsworth, Manchester, and grew up as a United fan, already owns French club Nice and Swiss outfit FC Lausanne-Sport.
His further $300 million commitment is intended to enable future investment in the club’s infrastructure.
As part of the agreement, he will also take responsibility for the football side of the business.
Ratcliffe’s arrival is expected to impact the future of the club, including the potential succession of key executives and investment in infrastructure.
His wealth of commercial experience and significant financial resources are seen as valuable assets for the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s children
Ratcliffe has three children with his ex-wife Amanda Townson; two sons, George and Samuel and a daughter named Julia.
George Ratcliffe
George has followed in his father’s footsteps and become the commercial director of INEOS.
He joined the company in 2013 and has faced challenges such as a bitter strike at the Grangemouth refinery, where he had to cross picket lines at the Scottish plant every day for weeks.
Despite these difficulties, George has shown determination and resilience, learning from his experiences and contributing to the company’s growth.
Samuel Ratcliffe
Samuel is the second son of Ratcliffe.
Information about his personal life and career is not readily available in the search results.
However, it is likely that he has also been influenced by his father’s success and may have pursued a career in business or engineering.
Julia Ratcliffe
Julia is the daughter of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his second wife, Italian tax lawyer Maria Alessia Maresca.
There is limited information available about her personal life and career, but she has likely been exposed to the high-profile lifestyle and success of her father and stepmother.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s grandchildren
Ratcliffe has grandchildren, but their names and personal details are not provided in the search results.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s lavish lifestyle
Ratcliffe is known for his lavish lifestyle, which includes a £130 million superyacht and a fleet of cars.
He has been married twice, to Amanda Townson and later to Italian tax lawyer Maria Alessia Maresca.
From these relationships, he has three children and two grandchildren.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s initiatives for children
Ratcliffe has shown a commitment to inspiring children to lead healthier and more active lives.
He has turned his passion for running into an initiative called Go Run For Fun, which encourages children to switch off from TV and video games and engage in sports.
This initiative is part of INEOS’s broader goal of tackling global public health challenges, such as obesity and lack of physical activity, faced by children in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Ratcliffe’s children have been exposed to a high-profile lifestyle and have likely been influenced by their father’s success in business and his initiatives for children’s health.
George and Samuel have followed in their father’s footsteps by pursuing careers in the INEOS chemicals group, while Julia has been exposed to the success of her father and stepmother.
FAQ
Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and how did he make his money?
Ratcliffe is the billionaire owner of Ineos, a petrochemicals giant. He grew up on a council estate in Manchester and made his fortune recovering struggling companies in the oil and gas sector.
What is the nature of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United?
Ratcliffe has completed a 25% investment in Manchester United, making him a minority shareholder in the football club.
He paid £1.3bn for Class B shares from the Glazer family and will provide an extra $300m for investment in Old Trafford. He will control football operations at United.
Why is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United controversial?
His investment has sparked controversy due to his firm’s environmental record, particularly his support for fracking and the environmental impact of his petrochemicals company, Ineos.
Did Sir Jim Ratcliffe try to buy Chelsea?
Yes, Ratcliffe made a move to buy Chelsea when the club was put up for sale by a Russian owner.
What are the key questions and concerns surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United?
Some of the key questions and concerns include the impact of the deal on the club’s cultural decline, the distribution of funds, and the potential impact of a minority shareholder on the club.
What is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth?
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Ratcliffe’s net worth is $13.6 billion (£11.3bn).
What is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance on environmental issues?
Ratcliffe is a supporter of fracking and has been criticized by environmentalists for his firm’s environmental record, particularly its impact as a major consumer of fossil fuels.
What other controversies surround Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
Apart from his environmental stance, Ratcliffe has faced criticism for securing a knighthood and then changing his residency from Britain to Monaco, where he would benefit from lower taxes.
What is the significance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United?
His investment represents a significant financial and operational involvement in the club, as he will control football operations at United.
How has Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United been received by the public?
His investment has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about its impact on the club and its cultural decline, while others have highlighted his background and financial commitment to the club.
