传奇大佬、“立邦”创始人吴清亮逝世！从打工仔白手起家成“亚洲漆王”、新加坡首富！

Core Insights - Wu Qingliang, the founder of Wu Denan Holdings and the "Nippon" brand, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a personal wealth of $13 billion, ranking 182nd on the Forbes global billionaire list in 2025 [1][2] - Wu Qingliang transformed from a poor worker to a legendary businessman known as the "King of Paints in Asia," emphasizing the importance of investing in China [2] Company Overview - In 1962, Wu Qingliang's company entered a joint venture with Nippon Paint, Japan's largest paint manufacturer, establishing the Lisheng Group, with Wu Denan Holdings holding 60% and Nippon Paint 40% [4] - The Lisheng Group began planning to enter China in 1992, becoming one of the first multinational companies to register in the country [5] - Wu Qingliang's vision for the Chinese market was initially met with challenges, but he remained confident in its potential, leading to the establishment of the Nippon brand in China [7] Market Position - Currently, Lisheng Group ranks as the fourth-largest paint manufacturer and service provider globally, with over 70 production bases in China and nearly 11,000 employees [8] - In 2025, Nippon Paint Holdings reported a 4.3% year-on-year increase in sales to ¥852.43 billion (approximately $5.78 billion or ¥42 billion), with a net profit growth of 34.4% [11] Financial Insights - Analysts predict a 20% compound annual growth rate for Nippon Paint's earnings per share from 2024 to 2027, despite the stock trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio compared to its peers [14] Philanthropic Efforts - Wu Qingliang donated over ¥100 million to build infrastructure in his hometown, reflecting his commitment to his roots and pride in his Chinese heritage [15][16]