Reclusive billionaire adds Scotsman to a stable that includes an Australian stud farm

Published on Wednesday 14 May 2008 21:44

USAHA Tegas's head, Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan, is a man of mystery, writes Jane Bradley.

Described in the past as a reclusive business tycoon, and also as Kuala Lumpur's own "Mr Big", he prefers to keep out of the limelight, despite the high-profile nature of the industries he works in.

Primarily a media mogul, with interests in a range of companies, including Malaysian satellite operator MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems and Astro All Asia Networks, "AK", as he is apparently known, also has interests in industries as diverse as oil and stud farming in Australia.

He also boasts a string of multiplex theatres in Malaysia, through his Usaha Tegas investment vehicle, which has now taken a stake in Johnston Press. The 69-year-old Tamil businessman, thought to be the third-wealthiest man in south-east Asia, holds the title of the 119th richest man in the world according to Forbes magazine, with a net worth of around $7.4 billion.

Krishnan studied at Melbourne University before getting his MBA from Harvard. It has also been claimed that he set up a small betting operation while at university.

Given his latest venture, it is worth noting he started a media career early, working at a radio station as a student and editing the college paper.