Slovakia’s wealthiest grow richer despite uncertainty, Forbes finds

Despite ongoing uncertainty, Slovakia’s wealthiest continue to grow richer, Forbes magazine noted in its latest ranking of the richest Slovaks, released on Wednesday. The 2025 edition shows no change in the top ten.

With an estimated net worth of €2.25 billion, Tomáš Chrenek — a steel and healthcare magnate and co-owner of the Moravia Steel group — retained his position at the top. His fortune has risen by about €250 million year-on-year, driven mainly by the growth in the value of the Agel healthcare group. He is followed by Jozef Tkáč and Patrik Tkáč in second place, and Jaroslav Haščák and his family in third.

This year’s ranking includes 60 people with a combined fortune of almost €24 billion. The top five account for 40 percent of that total, or €9.62 billion.

According to Forbes, their wealth increased by €1.37 billion year-on-year — partly due to the rise in the value of their assets, and partly thanks to the long-term appreciation of dividends accumulated over the years.

“After the Covid pandemic, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, and the energy and inflation crisis, Slovak millionaires focused more on diversifying their portfolios. Thanks to this, they are able to grow, as evidenced by the fact that each of the ten richest Slovaks has increased their estimated wealth. That is despite the uncertainty that prevails in the markets this year,” said Forbes editor-in-chief Lucia Okšová.

The latest overview also features a record 15 newcomers — among them entrepreneurs who have systematically built up large businesses outside the media spotlight. One is Dalibor Cicman, founder of the e-commerce giant GymBeam, who has become the first former Forbes 30 under 30 member to join the list of the richest Slovaks, with an estimated net worth of €150 million.