A Mexican, a Spaniard and two Americans are world's four richest men, all with huge net worth gains in 2012

Spanish textile magnate capitalized on soaring stock prices last year, catapulting into third place

Guadalajara -
Bloomberg Markets magazine, published monthly by Bloomberg L.P., a U.S. global business and financial news network, reports that the four richest men in the world aren't feeling the effects of the economic downturn which began in 2008.

The analysis was contained in its December edition.

Amancio Ortega, the 67 year old Spanish founder of the textile company Inditex, ended up third place in 2012, dislodging a famous American. He managed to parlay an already tidy sum into a fortune of $53.6 billion by year's end, increasing his net worth 52.1% - far more than any competitor. Inditex shares exploded last year, increasing in value by 68%, and Ortega's wealth skyrocketed.

Mexican telecommunications magnate Carlos Slim, 72, captured first place once again, with net assets of $77.5 billion. His wealth increased 25.3% in 2012. Among other entities, Slim owns Telmex and Telcel.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, 57, was in second place, with $64.4 billion. He posted a 2012 increase of 15.7%

Warren Buffett, the 82 year old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, placed fourth, with a fortune of $48.4 billion. It increased in value 13.2%. Last August he lost third place, his domain for many years, to Ortega.

In 2012, 84 of the world's 100 wealthiest persons increased their net assets by an aggregate $241 billion, according to Bloomberg. Only 16 sustained losses.

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