Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a British billionaire, chemical engineer, and the founder of the INEOS Group. Born in Manchester in 1952, he built one of the world’s largest chemical companies and became the second-wealthiest person in the UK. In 2024, he acquired a stake in Manchester United, adding football ownership to a portfolio that includes a car company, cycling team, and football clubs in France and Switzerland.
Ratcliffe’s career spans more than four decades, from a chemical engineering degree at Birmingham University to building INEOS into a global petrochemical giant. His move to Monaco in 2020 drew attention to his tax arrangements, while his investment in Manchester United and the launch of the INEOS Grenadier off-road vehicle have kept him in the headlines.
This article provides a clear, fact-based overview of his life, wealth, business interests, family, and the questions that remain unanswered.
Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
| Full Name | Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 October 1952 (age 72) |
| Net Worth | ~£29 billion (2025 estimate) |
| Known For | Founder of Ineos, partial owner of Manchester United, owner of Ineos Grenadier |
Key Insights
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the UK’s second-richest person, behind only Gopi Hinduja.
- His acquisition of a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in 2024 marked a major shift in football club ownership.
- Ineos Grenadier, launched in 2020, revived the off-road vehicle market inspired by the Land Rover Defender.
- Ratcliffe moved to Monaco in 2020, reportedly saving billions in UK taxes, sparking public debate.
- His daughter, as of public records, is not involved in Ineos management, but his sons have roles.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 October 1952, Failsworth, Lancashire, England |
| Education | Birmingham University (chemical engineering) |
| Occupation | Chairman & CEO of Ineos Group |
| Net Worth | £29 billion (Forbes, 2025) |
| Spouse | Maria Ratcliffe (married 1985, separated) |
| Children | Two sons (George, Sam), one daughter (name not publicly confirmed) |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Residence | Monaco (since 2020), also owns homes in UK and Switzerland |
What is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth?
As of mid-2023, his net worth is estimated at £29.6 billion, according to Wikipedia, making him the second wealthiest person in the UK. Other lists cite figures between £12.8 billion and £17 billion. The variation reflects differences in how assets are valued, particularly his holdings in the privately held INEOS Group and his sports investments.
Ratcliffe’s net worth is closely tied to the performance of INEOS, which generates approximately $65 billion in annual revenue. The company operates in 29 countries with more than 26,000 employees. His personal fortune also includes stakes in Manchester United, OGC Nice, and the Mercedes F1 team.
How did Sir Jim Ratcliffe make his money?
Ratcliffe founded INEOS in 1998 to acquire BP’s specialty chemicals unit and the Antwerp plant. Through a series of acquisitions and expansions, he built it into one of the world’s largest chemical producers. INEOS now produces chemicals, plastics, and energy products. The Forbes profile notes that the company grew rapidly in the 2000s, capitalising on low-cost natural gas in the United States and expanding its refining capacity.
Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe the richest man in the UK?
No. He is the second-richest, behind Gopi Hinduja. Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index also ranks him among the top UK billionaires, but the exact ranking fluctuates with currency and market changes. His move to Monaco in September 2020, documented by Bloomberg, saved him an estimated £4 billion in UK taxes, further complicating comparisons of his UK-based wealth.
Does Sir Jim Ratcliffe own Manchester United?
Ratcliffe completed the purchase of a 25% stake in Manchester United in February 2024. He is a lifelong supporter of the club, originally from Failsworth. The BBC News topic page on Ratcliffe covers his bid, which valued the transaction as a liability in his portfolio.
The stake is a minority interest, meaning the Glazer family retains majority control. Ratcliffe’s role includes oversight of football operations, and he has publicly stated his ambition to restore the club’s former glory.
What percentage of Manchester United does Sir Jim Ratcliffe own?
According to the sources, he holds a 25% stake (some reports specify 27.7%). The exact percentage may vary slightly depending on the share structure and timing of the transaction.
When did Sir Jim Ratcliffe buy into Manchester United?
The deal closed in February 2024 after months of negotiations. Ratcliffe’s bid was confirmed publicly in late 2023, and the formal approval from the Premier League came in early 2024.
What car company does Sir Jim Ratcliffe own?
Ratcliffe founded Ineos Automotive to produce the Grenadier, a 5-door off-road station wagon that launched in 2022. The vehicle is a modern interpretation of the original Land Rover Defender, built in partnership with BMW (engines) and Magna Steyr (manufacturing). The Ineos Grenadier official site provides details on the model lineup.
The Grenadier competes in a niche market of rugged off-road vehicles. It has received mixed reviews on pricing and fuel economy, but strong interest from enthusiasts and commercial users. Ineos Automotive is exploring electric and hybrid versions for future years.
What is the Ineos Grenadier?
The Grenadier is a 5-door station wagon designed for off-road capability. It was inspired by the Land Rover Defender, which Ratcliffe admired. The project began in 2018 after Land Rover ended production of the original Defender.
Why did Sir Jim Ratcliffe start a car company?
Ratcliffe has said he wanted to create a vehicle that filled the gap left by the Defender. He saw a market for a simple, durable, and modern off-road vehicle that could be used for work, adventure, and daily driving. Ineos Automotive press releases from 2020 describe the Grenadier as a “modern interpretation” of the classic Defender.
Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s family?
Ratcliffe has three children: two sons from his marriage to Amanda Townson, and one daughter from a previous relationship with Maria Alessia Maresca. He is currently in a long-term relationship with Catherine Polli. His son of a joiner/carpenter, he grew up on a council estate in Greater Manchester.
Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s wife?
He married Maria Ratcliffe in 1985, but they are now separated and not divorced.
Henry Carter is Senior Reporter at MarketUK.uk, covering breaking business and market stories across the UK.