The founder of Wahaha, the Chinese food giant, died on February 25 following a long illness. Formerly the richest person in China, the self-made man is also known for having chased away his ex-partner, the French company Danone.
In 1978, Zong Qinghou became a street vendor. Ten years later, he opened a soda and ice cream stand near a school. A marketing whiz, he was among the first business leaders from the private sector to be able to buy a state company.