The skinny on the fat wallets of L.A.’s 50 wealthiest.

John E. Anderson

NET WORTH: $2.59 billion +18%

LAST YEAR: $2.2 billion*

AGE: 93 RESIDENCE: Bel Air

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Beverages, auto dealerships, financial services, real estate

THE MONEY: His diverse family-held Topa Equities Ltd. has low debt-to-equity ratio that stands up well in economic headwinds. Automobile dealerships and real estate holdings bouncing back, while value of insurance businesses and beverage distributorships grow. Net worth provided by Anderson.

BUZZ: Nonagenarian has handed over day-to-day load at Topa to his children and trusted lieutenants, but still comes into the office daily. Anderson and his wife, Marion, last month donated $25 million to namesake UCLA Anderson School of Management – the largest such gift in the school’s history. The couple earlier gave $17 million to the graduate school and endowed two chairs. Andersons also big supporters of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she sits on board. This month made $50 million gift toward new inpatient facility set to open in July. Building to be named in their honor. Topa continues as a significant commercial and multifamily landlord on the Westside, and in San Fernando Valley and Hawaii. Son of Minneapolis barber went to UCLA on hockey scholarship and earned bachelor’s degree in business. Enlisted in Navy during World War II. Earned Harvard MBA and Loyola law degree. Started law firm in 1953 and a few years later launched Ace Beverage, which won exclusive rights to distribute Budweiser in Los Angeles area.

*recalculated