The surging price of Microsoft shares returned US tech tycoon Bill Gates back to the top of Forbes’ world’s billionaires list, with his $76bn (€55bn) beating Mexico’s Carlos Slim’s $72bn.

The Grupo Carso consortium controlled by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim said it is entering a new business sector by buying a 70% stake in an oil exploration and production company.

MEXICAN telecom tycoon Carlos Slim Helú has overtaken Microsoft founder Bill Gates as the world’s richest person, Mexican financial website Sentido Comun has reported.