Kar Albreach

Karl and Theo Albrecht were born and raised in modest circumstances in Essen, Germany. Their father was employed as a miner and later as a baker’s assistant.Their mother had a small grocery store in the worker’s quarter of Schonnebeck, a suburb of Essen. Theo completed an apprenticeship in his mother’s store, while Karlworked in a delicatessen shop. Karl also served in the Wehrmacht during World War II. After the war, the brothers took over their mother's business.[6] The firstAldi (Albrecht-Discount) was opened in 1961.[citation needed]

In 1961, Aldi's operations were divided between the brothers, with Karl taking control of themore profitable Aldi Süd (South), and Theo managing Aldi Nord (North).[6]
Aldi in Europe, (blue = north, orange = south)

In 1994, Karl Albrecht removed himselffrom the daily operations of Aldi Süd and took the position of chairman of the board. At the beginning of 2002, he also relinquished this position, therebycompletely ceding control of the firm. Today, the business is no longer run by any of Karl Albrecht’s family members.
Personal life

Little is known about KarlAlbrecht; he is a very reclusive man who has not taken part in public life for several years. Forbes magazine reports that he has two children, neither of whom isemployed by Aldi. He reportedly lives in Essen, as did his brother Theo until the latter's death. He is a fan of golf, and plays at his personal golf course, theÖschberghof, which he built in 1976. He also raises orchids.[6] It is rumored that he collects antique typewriters and has made a take-over bid for Leeds United.