Czech billionaire couple could become even more powerful
The 46-year-old partner is a 24-year-old Olympian showjumper called Anna Kellnerova, the oldest daughter of Petr Kellner who was the richest Czech.
The Czech Republic’s former richest man, investment tycoon Petr Kellner, has died along with four others in a helicopter crash during a heli-skiing trip in Alaskain March. The 56-year-old founded the PPF investment group, which is reported to have global assets worth €44bn (£38bn; $52bn).
Kellner’s personal fortune was estimated to be $17.5bn (£12.8bn) by Forbes.
Kretinsky did many business deals with Kellner before his untimely death and was treated like a favourite son in law despite him not being married to his daughter.
Kretinsky has been regualry linked in reports as a natural successor to run Kellner’s former business empire and he if he marries his girlfriend they could be in line for 20% of Kellner’s estate as an inheritance. This would put the couple whole new billionaire level in Europe.
Whether the Czech billionaire completes a buy out of a 27% stake of West Ham remains to be seen but raising funds doesn’t seem to be an issue.