Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his soon-to-be-ex-wife, MacKenzie Bezos, announced Thursday that their divorce was now official and agreed on a settlement that will leave him with 75 per cent of their Amazon stock, along with voting control.
MacKenzie Bezos announced on Twitter that she and Jeff Bezos have completed the process of dissolving their marriage which had lasted for 25 years.
— MacKenzie Bezos (@mackenziebezos) April 4, 2019
MacKenzie Bezos is still set to hold on to a chunk of Amazon stock. She also says she will give him her interests in The Washington Post and the Blue Origin aerospace company.
The settlement would make her among the five richest women in the world. Her ex will remain the world’s richest person.
If MacKenzie Bezos sells her shares, the buyer would have to enter into an agreement with Jeff Bezos to grant him the rights to vote those shares, according to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The split has been dubbed the world’s most expensive, with a reported cost of $137 BILLION.
MacKenzie said in a statement: “Grateful to have finished the process of dissolving my marriage with Jeff with support from each other and everyone who reached out to us in kindness, and looking forward to next phase as co-parents and friends.”
She added: “Happy to be giving him all of my interests in the Washington Post and Blue Origin, and 75% of our Amazon stock plus voting control of my shares to support his continued contributions with the teams of these incredible companies.
“Excited about my own plans. Grateful for the past as I look forward to what comes next.” Her followers were shocked by how amicable the divorce seemed to be.
One replied: “I really congratulate for such a strong way to handle a difficult situation like this…”
I really congratulate for such a strong way to handle a difficult situation like this. You must be great woman. Hope the future bring you a well deserve happiness.
— Michel c Moreau (@mcmbahamas) April 4, 2019
The former couple announced their split in January, amid reports he’d been growing close to news anchor Lauren Sanchez. It was claimed the 54-year-old billionaire was dating the anchor, whose 12-year marriage to top Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell ended last autumn.
A source said that they were spotted looking cosy together at a Golden Globes after party.
They said: “Lauren and Jeff have been spending a lot of time together over the last year and especially the past few months. “At first it was socially at parties… here and there. But their time together has definitely seemed to evolve, raising some eyebrows.
“Jeff has met a small group of Lauren’s girlfriends, too. The two of them are sort of thick as thieves right now.”