The Thomsons, the richest family in Canada, bar none, and one of the wealthiest in the world , have come a long way from their humble beginnings as poor Scottish farmers.
More than just rich people, they’ve worked their way into the British aristocracy, owning the media conglomerate Thomson Reuters, and wielding enormous influence over Canada’s economic and cultural landscapes.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:21 Chapter 1: Being On Top as A Thomson
4:27 Chapter 2: From Farmers To Fleet Street
9:54 Chapter 3: King Kenneth
16:00 Chapter 4: The Modern Generations
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When you think of Canada, you might picture its iconic niceties, love for hockey, and breathtaking landscapes. But amidst this charming backdrop, there's a story of immense wealth and influence that many might not know.
The Thomsons, Canada's richest family, have remained relatively out of the spotlight despite their significant economic and cultural impact on the nation.
Today, we delve into the enigmatic world of the Thomsons in our series, "Old Money Luxury," uncovering their rise from humble beginnings to becoming pivotal figures in Canada and beyond.
The Thomson family’s wealth, amounting to approximately $61.3 billion, places them among the wealthiest globally.
Their primary business, The Woodbridge Company, is the parent company of the media giant Thomson Reuters, which began as a modest radio station in 1930s Ontario.
This small venture has grown into a behemoth in news, information, and technology services.
David Thomson, the Third Baron Thomson of Fleet, now heads the family’s diverse ventures, including a hedge fund and substantial interests in sports and entertainment.
Yet, despite their vast empire, which includes owning the Winnipeg Jets and expansive real estate investments, the Thomsons are known for their discretion and avoidance of the public eye.
David Thomson's passion for art is as noteworthy as his business acumen.
His collection includes masterpieces from artists like Rembrandt and John Constable, and he houses these treasures in his palatial Toronto residence, a testament to "old money" elegance and privacy.
But the Thomson story begins much more modestly.
Their ancestors were Scottish tenant farmers who immigrated to Canada in the 18th century, seeking new opportunities away from the economic pressures in Scotland.
This journey led to the establishment of a family legacy that would see Roy Thomson, a pivotal figure in the family, rise from operating a radio station to owning a media empire, eventually earning a baronial title in Britain.
Roy Thomson’s media acquisitions and his strategic focus on small-town newspapers laid the groundwork for the family’s fortune.
His ventures expanded into the UK, where he acquired The Scotsman and later established Scottish Television, famously profitable ventures that solidified his wealth and influence.
His son, Kenneth Thomson, continued to build on this foundation, shifting focus to North America and pivoting the family business towards specialized information services.
This strategic shift dramatically increased the family’s wealth, with Kenneth leading the Thomson Corporation into the digital age.
Despite their affluence, the Thomsons maintain a lifestyle marked by frugality and discretion, attributes passed down from Roy to Kenneth, and now to David.
This understatement in their personal dealings contrasts sharply with their vast influence and wealth, adding to the family’s mystique.
As we further explore the Thomson family's secretive yet impactful legacy, we unravel how they have shaped not just Canada's economic landscape but its cultural and social realms as well.
Their story is not just one of wealth and power but also of a deep commitment to privacy and an enduring influence that quietly shapes the country from behind the scenes.
7 июл 2024
