Billionaire Profile
Thomas Struengmann & family
Global Rank
#297

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Thomas Struengmann & family

CEO, Pharmaceuticals
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$10.959B
Estimated based on Pharmaceuticals stock value as of June 5, 2026
+1.23% (24h)
Age
76
Source
Pharmaceuticals
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

Thomas Strüngmann, a prominent German entrepreneur and investor, is known for his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Born in 1950, he earned an MBA from the University of Augsburg and co-founded Hexal AG, a leading generic drug manufacturer, with his twin brother Andreas. Their strategic investments, including an early stake in BioNTech, have significantly contributed to their wealth, especially through the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. With an estimated net worth of $11.8 billion, the Strüngmann family is ranked among the wealthiest in Germany, and they are actively involved in philanthropy and healthcare advancements.

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Updated 6/5/2026
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Wealth Over Time

Career Milestones

  1. 1

    Took over Durachemie

    Thomas and Andreas Strüngmann took over their father's pharmaceutical company, Durachemie, gaining industry experience.

  2. 2

    Co-founded Hexal AG

    Co-founded Hexal AG, which focused on generic pharmaceuticals and became a leading drug manufacturer in Germany.

  3. 3

    Sold Hexal to Novartis

    Sold Hexal and their stake in Eon Labs to Novartis for approximately $7 billion.

  4. 4

    Invested in BioNTech

    Made a significant early investment in BioNTech, which contributed to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$10.959B
2025$12B
2024$11.8B
2023$11.5B
2022$11B
2021$11B
2020$11B

Philanthropy

Ernst Strüngmann Institute

$Undisclosed
Scientific Research

Founded the Ernst Strüngmann Institute, a neuroscience research center in Frankfurt

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Career

Thomas Strüngmann was born in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, on February 16, 1950. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Augsburg. Together with his twin brother Andreas, he took over their father's pharmaceutical company, Durachemie, in 1979, gaining valuable industry experience.

Rise to Success

In 1986, the Strüngmann brothers co-founded Hexal AG, focusing on generic pharmaceuticals. Under their leadership, Hexal became a leading generic drug manufacturer in Germany. They sold Hexal and their stake in Eon Labs to Novartis in 2005 for approximately $7 billion. Post-Hexal, they established investment firms like Santo Holding and Athos Service, concentrating on biotech and healthcare.

Key Business Strategies

The Strüngmann brothers are known for their strategic investments in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. A pivotal move was their early investment in BioNTech in 2008, providing seed funding of €136.5 million. This investment proved highly successful due to BioNTech's partnership with Pfizer to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. They continue to be major shareholders in BioNTech.

Philanthropy

Beyond their business ventures, Thomas and Andreas founded the Ernst Strüngmann Institute in 2008, a neuroscience research center in Frankfurt named after their father, demonstrating their commitment to scientific advancement.

Career Milestones

1979

Took over Durachemie

Thomas and Andreas Strüngmann took over their father's pharmaceutical company, Durachemie, gaining industry experience.

1986

Co-founded Hexal AG

Co-founded Hexal AG, which focused on generic pharmaceuticals and became a leading drug manufacturer in Germany.

2005

Sold Hexal to Novartis

Sold Hexal and their stake in Eon Labs to Novartis for approximately $7 billion.

2008

Invested in BioNTech

Made a significant early investment in BioNTech, which contributed to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Scientific Research

Ernst Strüngmann Institute

Undisclosed

Founded the Ernst Strüngmann Institute, a neuroscience research center in Frankfurt