One of the founders of the Italian fashion company Benetton, Gilberto Benetton, is dead. He died after a short illness at his home in Treviso, Northern Italy, shared with the family on Monday evening. Gilberto had founded together with his siblings Luciano, Giuliana and Carlo, in 1965, the Benetton group. He died at the age of 77 years, surrounded by his family.

The siblings are one of the richest people in Italy. The magazine “Forbes” treasures Gilbertos assets to $ 2.7 billion. Meanwhile, not only colorful knit sweater, but also motorway operator or a grid belonging to the Benetton group sites.

Recently, the family stand after the bridge disaster of Genoa, with 43 dead in the criticism. The bridge operator Autostrade per l’italia belongs to the Holding company Edizione, the Vice-President was Gilberto. The siblings were accused of having expressed himself too late to the disaster. In addition, Gilberto was President of the operator of motorway and Airport rest houses, car grill.

It is the second case of death for the Benetton’s in this year: in July, Carlo Benetton had died.

jat/dpa