The Walton Family is the richest family in the world, their wealth inherited from Bud and Sam Walton, founders of the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart. The five most prominent members (Jim, John (d. 2005), Rob, Alice, and Helen (d. 2007)) have consistently been in the top ten of the Forbes 400 since 2001, although Helen dropped to #11 in 2006. Christy Walton took her husband John's place after his death in 2005.
Collectively, the Waltons control over 48% of the company, and are worth a combined total of $115.7 billion (as of March 2013), valuing them as the wealthiest family in the world.