Christy Walton & family No: 12 billionaire-2009

Net Worth:$17.6 bil
Fortune:inherited
Source:Wal-Mart inheritance
Age:54
Country Of Citizenship:United States
Residence:Jackson, Wyoming
Industry:Retail
Education:NA,
Marital Status:widowed, 1 child



Wal-Mart remains the exception to the rule in the crumbling retail sector thanks to its global footprint and deeply discounted prices. Also helping: the exodus of competitors like Circuit City and Linens N' Things. Shares down 25% since September. Fourth-quarter profit hurt by lawsuit settlements, poor currency exchange; still beat analyst expectations. Stake in solar-paneling outfit First Solar fared far worse; shares down 60% since August after surging 120% in previous 12 months. Sam Walton started as J.C. Penney clerk in 1940; opened Newport, Ark. five-and-dime store Benjamin Franklin 5 years later. Lost lease in 1950. With brother James started general-store chain in Bentonville, Ark., 1962. Today Wal-Mart is world's largest retailer: 7,200 stores, 2 million employees serve 200 million customers. Sales: $378 billion. Christy is the widow of John Walton (d. 2005); donated 7-acre San Diego home to Cross Border Philanthropy.