94-Year-Old Billionaire Sells Food Empire for $29.1 Billion

94-year-old billionaire Nathan "Natie" Kirsh has completed the sale of his food empire, Jetro Restaurant Depot, to Sysco for $29.1 billion.

Jetro Restaurant Depot, with 166 stores in 25 U.S. states, was founded by Kirsh in 1976 and recorded revenues of $16 billion last year. Kirsh owned approximately 70% of the company.

Kirsh, born in South Africa to Lithuanian Jewish immigrants, began his business career in the family's malt industry and later founded a milling business in Eswatini.

Jetro was based on the "cash-and-carry" model, allowing catering entrepreneurs to source products directly from warehouses.

Today, Kirsh lives in Eswatini and his fortune amounts to $7.3 billion. He has also developed philanthropic activities, with donations to the University of Witwatersrand and the Jerusalem Academy of Arts.