Bill Gates, the US billionaire businessman and co-founder of Microsoft, has revealed how he and Melinda, his ex-wife, shared their wealth despite no prenuptial agreement.
Bill and Melinda announced their divorce in 2021 — after 27 years of marriage.
In a recent interview with Sunday Times, Bill said the pair reached a compromise before sharing their vast wealth.
He also disclosed that there was no significant reduction in their individual wealth.
“We spent some time coming up with a fair settlement that we both signed. But neither of us was facing any real reduction in our consumption,” he said.
“It was more about, OK, I’ll have x billion to give away, you’ll have y billion to give away. It was about the causes.”
Bill, 65, also said he is still on good terms with Melinda while admitting his “grieve” over the divorce.
“In an interview, she chose not to use that word, but I’ll use it. We have a super important, complex, close relationship where we’ve chosen to work together. And I’m very happy that we get to work together,” he said.
“I’m also grieving the same way she is. Yes. We grew up together.”
Bill added: “Every marriage as the kids leave the house will go through a transition. Mine sadly went through this transition called divorce.”
“But from my point of view it was a great marriage. I wouldn’t have changed it. You know, I wouldn’t choose to marry someone else.
“Yes. I’m talking about would I marry Melinda all over again. In terms of my future, I don’t have any plans, but I highly recommend marriage.”
The pair tied the knot in 1994 after dating for 7 years. They divorced last year.
Bill and Melinda also share three children together — Jennifer and Phoebe, their two daughters, and a son Rory.
