According to Forbes, Mr. Schnabel owns 60% of $12.7 billion (sales) Helm AG, one of the world's leading independent chemicals marketing enterprises. He founded the company after World War II and turned over control to his son in 1984. His art collection includes works by Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt and others. In 2007 he was listed by Forbes as No. 247 on their list of billionaires.