Hans Rausing: Swedish Tetra Pak billionaire dies aged 93
Former head of packaging empire moved to estate in Sussex to avoid Swedish taxes in 1982
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Swedish billionaire Hans Rausing, whose co-inheritance of the Tetra Pak packaging firm saw his family become one of the richest in Britain, has died at the age of 93.
Mr Rausing’s children said in a statement that the industrialist and entrepreneur died in his sleep at his home in Wadhurst Park on Friday, with his wife Marit at his side.
The son of Ruben Rausing, he co-inherited the company from his father and held roles as chief executive and chairman of Tetra Pak, which later became the Tetra Laval group.
Mr Rausing moved to an estate in Sussex to avoid Swedish taxes in 1982, creating a deer park and pursuing his interests in sporting and country life.
He and his brother Gad toppled the Queen from the Sunday Times Rich List in 1994 thanks to their food packaging and equipment empire, before Mr Rausing sold his share to Gad in 1995.
Known for his charitable pursuits, Mr Rausing was made an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2006 for his philanthropic services.
These included a donation of £2.5m to Cambridge University for a new maths centre in 1997, which Professor Stephen Hawking said he was “absolutely delighted” by.
His family say the total value of their donations since 1998 have exceeded £1bn.
In a joint statement, his children Lisbet, Sigrid and Hans Kristian said: “Our father was an extraordinary man, achieving so many things in his long and distinguished career as entrepreneur and industrialist, and then as a philanthropist supporting multiple charities and foundations.
“We are very proud of that, but most of all we will cherish our fond memories of him as a loving father and devoted family man.”
He is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren.
Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments