Russia’s Top 10 Billionaires (Plus One)

The Russian business magazine CEO has published its first ranking of the country’s billionaires, counting a total of 131. Uzbek-born magnate Alisher Usmanov leads the ranking with an estimated worth of $18.72 billion at the end of 2012, thanks to his investment in Facebook and consolidation of a controlling stake in the MegaFon mobile operator, followed by the sale of the operator’s stock in an initial public offering (IPO).

Vladimir Lisin, chairman of the board of directors at the Russian steel giant Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), came in second with an estimated wealth of $17.2 billion.

Viktor Vekselberg, who is the owner of Renova Group – with far-ranging interests from metals to construction and telecoms to finance – and the president of the Skolkovo Foundation, a high-tech innovation hub, holds third place. Last year he came in 11th in a similar ranking published by the magazine Finans (Finance), but shot up the chart after the sale of his stake in oil company TNK-BP to Rosneft, bringing his wealth to an estimated $15.94 billion.

Mikhail Fridman, chairman of Alfa Group and TNK-BP’s board of directors, comes in fourth with $15.32 billion.

In fifth place is former presidential candidate and Onexim Group founder Mikhail Prokhorov, whose wealth is estimated at $15.25 billion.

Alexei Mordashov, general director and principal owner of the steelmaker Severstal Group, is ranked sixth with $14.14 billion.

Leonid Mikhelson, Novatek board chairman, comes seventh with $13.74 billion.

Oleg Deripaska, general director and owner of Russia's Basic Element (BasEl) holding, is in eighth place with $12.64 billion.

Vladimir Potanin, president of Interros Holding and majority shareholder in Norilsk Nickel, is ranked ninth with $12.32 billion.

Lukoil President Vagit Alekperov comes 10th with $12.03 billion.

FC Chelsea and Millhouse Capital owner Roman Abramovich did not make it into the Top 10, but is ranked 11th with $11.53 billion.