The 50 Wealthiest Angelenos: 49. Isaac Larian

0

THE MONEY: Co-founder and chief executive of MGA Entertainment made fortune producing popular Bratz line of dolls to rival Barbie. Little Tikes toy line and Lalaloopsy dolls have also done well.

BUZZ: Moved to Los Angeles from Iran in 1971 and attended Cal State Los Angeles. Co-founded MGA with brother, Fred, in 1982. In ’90s, production of Singing Bouncy Baby a hit; by 2005, sales of Bratz fashion dolls outpaced Barbie sales. Mattel Inc. sued MGA over Bratz dolls’ origins; companies have been embroiled in legal battle ever since. Court last year ruled in MGA’s favor and awarded $137 million in legal fees. No stranger to litigation, Isaac also sued by his brother. Purchased brother’s 45 percent stake in company for $9 million in 2000. Fred accused Isaac of holding back information on potential of Bratz. Has since dropped case, but brothers said to no longer speak to each other. Isaac owns 82 percent of company, which had sales of more than $820 million last year, making it largest private toy company in world.

NET WORTH: $926 million

LAST YEAR: Not on list

AGE: 60

RESIDENCE: Holmby Hills

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Toys

No posts to display