Idan Ofer Net Worth, Biography and Key Insights
Idan Ofer’s Profile Summary
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Company
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Israel Corporation |
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Position
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Principal Shareholder |
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Source of wealth
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Shipping, Energy, Mining, and Sports Investments |
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Also known as
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Idan Ofer |
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Age
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70 |
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Education
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University of Haifa, London Business School |
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Citizenship
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Israel |
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Residence
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London, United Kingdom |
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Family
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Married, five children |
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Website, Social Media
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Biography
Idan Ofer, born on October 2, 1955, in Haifa, Israel, is a prominent Israeli billionaire businessman and philanthropist with a diversified portfolio of investments in shipping, energy, chemicals, mining, and sports. He is the son of Sammy Ofer, a renowned shipping tycoon, and Aviva Ofer, and he inherited a significant part of his wealth from the family’s shipping empire.Ofer attended the University of Haifa, where he studied economics and shipping, and later earned an MBA from the London Business School. He began his career in the family shipping business, expanding it globally through the establishment of Eastern Pacific Shipping, which operates a fleet of over 200 vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, and crude oil tankers.
In addition to shipping, Ofer expanded his business interests through Israel Corporation, where he holds a 51% stake. The conglomerate focuses on various sectors, including chemicals, energy, infrastructure, and technology, making it one of Israel's largest publicly traded companies. His investments also extend into electric vehicle battery technology, with stakes in companies like Better Place and QuantumScape.
Beyond traditional industries, Ofer has ventured into sports investments. He owns a 33% stake in Atlético Madrid, one of Spain’s top football clubs, and an 85% stake in FC Famalicão, a Portuguese football team.
Despite his wealth and influence, Ofer maintains a low public profile. His philanthropic contributions include supporting education, environmental causes, and the arts. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $17.48 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the Middle East.
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How did Idan Ofer make money?
Idan Ofer built his fortune through strategic investments in shipping, energy, mining, and sports industries. His business journey began with Eastern Pacific Shipping, a global maritime company he founded, which now operates a fleet of over 200 vessels, including bulk carriers, oil tankers, and container ships. Shipping became the foundation of his wealth, and he expanded from there into other sectors.
In the 1990s, Ofer inherited a substantial portion of his family's business empire from his father, Sammy Ofer, a renowned shipping tycoon. He took control of Israel Corporation, a publicly traded conglomerate, where he holds a 51% stake. Under his leadership, the company diversified its investments into chemicals, energy, and infrastructure projects. Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL), a subsidiary of Israel Corporation, became one of the world’s largest producers of fertilizers and specialty chemicals, contributing significantly to Ofer's wealth.
Ofer also made notable investments in natural resources. He founded Kenon Holdings, a spin-off of Israel Corporation, which focuses on clean energy and transportation technologies. His interests in electric vehicle battery technology include stakes in companies like Better Place and QuantumScape, further securing his position in future-oriented industries.
In recent years, Ofer has ventured into sports investments, owning a 33% stake in Atlético Madrid, a leading Spanish football club, and 85% of FC Famalicão, a Portuguese team. These sports investments diversified his portfolio beyond traditional industries, providing additional income streams and global recognition.
Ofer’s wealth strategy centers on diversification and global expansion. His success lies in his ability to identify high-growth sectors, such as shipping, energy, and technology, while investing in sports and entertainment to broaden his influence. His business acumen and long-term investment approach have made him one of Israel’s most influential billionaires, with a net worth of $17.48 billion as of 2025. -
What is Idan Ofer net worth?
As of 2026, Idan Ofer’s net worth is estimated to be $28.6B.
What is Idan Ofer also known as?
Idan Ofer is recognized as a leading Israeli businessman and philanthropist, known for his significant contributions to the shipping, energy, mining, and sports industries. He is the son of the late Sammy Ofer, a renowned shipping magnate, and has continued his family's legacy through his various business ventures.Prominent achievements
Idan Ofer has successfully expanded his family's shipping business into a global enterprise, founded Eastern Pacific Shipping, and holds significant stakes in major companies like Israel Corporation. His investments in international sports teams further showcase his diverse business interests and global influence.What are Idan Ofer’s key insights?
Idan Ofer emphasizes diversification and strategic investments across various industries, including shipping, energy, mining, and sports. He believes in leveraging global opportunities to expand his business ventures and maintains a focus on innovation and sustainability within his enterprises.
Personal life
Idan Ofer is married and has five children. He is the son of the late Sammy and Aviva Ofer and has a brother, Eyal Ofer, who is also a prominent businessman. The Ofer family is known for their substantial contributions to the shipping industry and various philanthropic endeavors.
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