Dinu Patriciu

$1.50 B

Ranked #854 in World

About Dinu Patriciu

Dinu Patriciu, a prominent Romanian billionaire businessman and politician, born in Bucharest on August 3, 1950, made significant strides in both the political and business spheres until his death on August 19, 2014. A graduate of the Bucharest Institute of Architecture, Patriciu was a founding member of the National Liberal Party (PNL) in 1990 and served in various political roles, including as Minister for Public Works and Territorial Planning. In the business domain, he founded Romania's first private company "Alpha" in 1990, ventured into real estate, and notably acquired the oil company Rompetrol in 1998, which he later sold a majority stake of to Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas for $2.7 billion in 2007. Despite facing criminal investigations for alleged financial misconduct, Patriciu was acquitted in his first trial. His legacy is marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and political involvement, leaving behind a complex legacy upon his death from a lung infection after battling cirrhosis and lymphoma.

Born

August 03, 1950 in Bucharest, Romania

Died

August 19, 2014 (aged 64)

Source Of Wealth

Oil, Real Estate, Retail

Industries

Oil

Citizenship

Romania

Dinu Patriciu was born on August 3, 1950, in Bucharest, Romania. His father, Valeriu Patriciu, was a mining engineer and chief geologist. Patriciu graduated from the Bucharest Institute of Architecture in 1975 and worked as an architect. He also taught at the Institute of Architecture from 1978 and won several architecture awards. Patriciu was involved in building projects in Romania and the United Arab Emirates.

Dinu Patriciu: Family

Dinu Patriciu was married to Dana Patriciu, and they had two children together, Andrei and Ana. He was also the father of two other children from previous relationships.

Dinu Patriciu: Career Highlights

Dinu Patriciu founded the first private company in Romania, "Alpha," in 1990. He was involved in real estate, architecture, and construction. Patriciu bought land in Bucharest to build an apartment complex, facing controversy over the acquisition of property. He acquired Fabian Romania Property Fund, a British real estate investment fund in Romania. Patriciu owned real estate worth an estimated $1 billion in Germany and Romania, as well as residential projects in the United Arab Emirates.

Dinu Patriciu: Companies

Dinu Patriciu founded or acquired several companies during his career, including:

Alpha
Rompetrol
Adevărul newspaper
Liberty Bank
mic.ro (convenience store chain)

Dinu Patriciu: Major Achievements

Dinu Patriciu's major achievements include:

Founding the first private company in Romania
Acquiring and expanding Rompetrol
Building a real estate empire in Romania and Germany
Expanding the Adevărul newspaper portfolio

Dinu Patriciu: Awards & Achievements

Dinu Patriciu received several awards and recognitions, including:

Romanian Architect of the Year (1985)
Honorary Doctorate from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (2004)
Romanian Businessman of the Year (2005)

Dinu Patriciu: Personal Life & Legacy

Dinu Patriciu was known for his lavish lifestyle and philanthropy. He owned a luxury yacht, a private jet, and several expensive cars. Patriciu also supported various charitable causes, including education and healthcare.

He was a controversial figure in Romania, with some praising his business acumen and others criticizing his political and business practices.

Dinu Patriciu: Trivia

Dinu Patriciu was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying.
He was a fan of classical music and art.
Patriciu was a polyglot and spoke several languages, including Romanian, English, French, and German.
He was a member of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Wealth History

Timeline

August 3, 1950

Dinu Patriciu is born in Bucharest, Romania.

1975

Graduates from the Bucharest Institute of Architecture.

1978

Works as an architect and teaches at the Institute of Architecture.

1990

Founds the first private company in Romania, "Alpha.

1990

Founding member of the National Liberal Party (PNL).

1991

Elected to the Chamber of Deputies in the Romanian general election.

1991

Serves as Minister for Public Works and Territorial Planning.

1993

Part of Partidul Liberal '93 (PL '93), which split from PNL.

1996

Unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of Bucharest.

1998

Buys the oil company Rompetrol from the Romanian government.

2000

Elected on the lists of PNL for Prahova County.

2003

Resigns from parliament due to incompatibility between public office and private business interests.

2003

Converts Rompetrol's €570 million debt to the Romanian state into bonds.

2006

Arrested for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud.

2007

Sells 75% of Rompetrol shares to Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas for $2.7 billion, becoming the richest Romanian.

2012

Diagnosed with cirrhosis and undergoes a liver transplant.

2014

Sentenced to prison for embezzlement, money laundering, conspiracy, and market manipulation related to Rompetrol (sentence overturned due to his death).

August 19, 2014

Passes away at the age of 64 due to a lung infection.

Dinu Patriciu : FAQs

What is Dinu Patriciu's net worth?

As of 2012, Dinu Patriciu's net worth was $1.50 billion.

What are Dinu Patriciu's main sources of wealth?

Dinu Patriciu's main source of income comes from Oil, Real Estate, Retail.

In which industry does Dinu Patriciu primarily operate?

Dinu Patriciu is primarily involved in the Oil industry.

Is Dinu Patriciu dead?

Yes, Dinu Patriciu died on August 19, 2014 (aged 64).

How many children does Dinu Patriciu have?

Dinu Patriciu has 2 children.

Who was Dinu Patriciu and what is his significance in Romanian history?

Dinu Patriciu was a Romanian billionaire businessman and politician, known for being a founding member of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and for his significant contributions to Romania's post-communist economy through his business ventures, including the acquisition and expansion of Rompetrol.

What were the major milestones in Dinu Patriciu's early life and career?

Born in Bucharest in 1950, Dinu Patriciu graduated from the Bucharest Institute of Architecture in 1975, won several architecture awards, and was involved in building projects both in Romania and the UAE before transitioning into a successful business career.

How did Dinu Patriciu contribute to Romania's political landscape?

Dinu Patriciu played a pivotal role in Romania's political scene as a founding member of the PNL, serving as Minister for Public Works and Territorial Planning, and being elected to the Chamber of Deputies. He was actively involved in legislative activities and ran for Mayor of Bucharest, though unsuccessfully.

What were the key achievements and controversies in Dinu Patriciu's business career?

Patriciu founded the first private company in Romania post-1989, expanded Rompetrol into a major oil company, and owned significant real estate. His business activities were not without controversy, facing allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud, leading to criminal investigations.

How did Dinu Patriciu's life come to an end, and what legacy does he leave behind?

Dinu Patriciu passed away on August 19, 2014, after battling cirrhosis and lymphoma. Despite controversies, he is remembered for his contributions to Romania's economic development and political landscape, leaving behind a complex legacy as one of Romania's most influential post-communist figures.