BIOGRAPHY OF ROMAN ARKADIEVICH ABRAMOVICH

Roman Arkadievich Abramovich (born in Saratov, Russia, October 24, 1966, age 51), is a Russian billionaire and owner of investment company Millhouse Capital, considered one of Russia's oligarchs. According to Forbes 2006, on February 13, 2006 he has a net worth of US $ 18.2 billion and according to Russian Finance magazine in January 2007 his fortune reached US $ 21 billion. He is considered the richest man who lived in the United Kingdom in 2003.

The emphasis of pronunciation of his surname is often in the second syllable (Abrámovich) when pronounced in English, while in his native Russia is suppressed on the third syllable (Abramóvich).

In Russia, Abramovich was a governor for Chukotka province, he was elected in 2000. Outside Russia, he is famous as the owner of English Premier League club Chelsea, and his important role in European football. In addition to these things, other Abramovich's activities are not publicly known.

CHILHOOD AND EDUCATION
His father was a Jew, and his mother was a Russian. Roman paternal grandparents were exiled to Siberia from Tauragė, Lithuania by the Soviet Union government after the Lithuanian occupation of 1940. Roman was raised as an orphan. His mother, Irina Ostrowski Abramovich, died of bacteremia due to. bacterial abortion when Roman was one year old. His father Arkady Abramovich was killed in an accident on a construction project when Roman was three years old. Abramovich was raised by his uncle in Ukhta and and by his grandmother in Moscow. Before moving to Moscow he and his sister lived in Syktyvkar, the capital of Komi Republic. Abramovich attended the Industrial Institute in the city of Ukhta before attending military service to the Soviet Armed Forces. After attending the army he briefly lectured at the State Auto Transport Institute in Moscow before taking time off to do business. He finally earned a degree from the Moscow State Law Academy with a distance learning system.

BUSINESS SUCCSESS
Abramovich earned his fortune by buying shares of newly privatized industries after the fall of communism at a low price. He has been the largest shareholder in Sibneft, a major oil company, as well as an important shareholder in RusAl, the world's second largest aluminum producer, and several other companies.

ABRAMOVICH AND EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

In June 2003, he became the owner of the companies that controlled the Chelsea Football Club in England. Previously he had considered buying a few other clubs before he finally bought Chelsea, which at that time was experiencing financial difficulties. This purchase makes it famous in the UK. Immediately after Abramovich controlled Chelsea, he invested heavily in capital (estimated at £ 440 million through January 2006), taking into account a debt overhaul of £ 80 million and player transfers.

The club also launched an ambitious program on commercial development, with the aim of becoming a worldwide brand, and announcing plans to build a new luxury training complex in Cobham, Surrey.Chelsea ended their first season after a 2nd takeover in the Premiership, from 4th in the previous season and reaching the semi-finals stage of the European Champions League. The new manager, José Mourinho, was recruited and Chelsea ended the following season as league champions, first after 50 years. After five years of takeover the club has won five major trophies, most compared to other clubs in the same period. Currently they become one of the main strengths in English football.