David Reuben

Companies House records his birth in September 1938. Born in Bombay, he later moved to Britain. A 2003 Independent profile traces his scrap-metals career to 1958 and the formation of Trans-World Group to 1977, followed by expansion with Simon.⁠[3][4][2]

Trans-World expanded into Russia and Kazakhstan in the 1990s, with aluminum an important business. The brothers sold their Russian interests in 2000 and subsequently concentrated more on property and private equity.⁠[2][4]

The Reuben Foundation was established in 2002 with an initial US$100 million endowment for education, healthcare and community work. Companies House records David as a director from July 9, 2002 to May 3, 2012, with a new appointment on July 31, 2019.⁠[5][3][6]

In 2012, the foundation established an Oxford scholarship program for undergraduates from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.⁠[7]

Aldersgate Investments, a Reuben Brothers company, began selling Global Switch shares in 2016. The data-center operator’s annual report records the sale of the remaining 24.01% to Shagang Group for £1.8 billion on August 23, 2019, completing Aldersgate’s exit.⁠[8][9]

The foundation’s £80 million gift in 2020 supported Reuben College, graduate scholarships and expanded undergraduate aid. The college was previously called Parks College.⁠[7]

On October 7, 2021, a consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media completed its acquisition of Newcastle United. The club named David’s son Jamie Reuben as the director representing RB Sports & Media.⁠[10][2]

David and Simon received the Sheldon Medal at the Oxford Martin School on October 27, 2022, recognizing their support for Oxford students and Reuben College. It is the university’s highest honor for benefactors.⁠[11][7]

Newcastle announced on July 12, 2024 that PIF and RB Sports & Media had agreed to acquire PCP’s interest, with anticipated holdings of approximately 85% and 15%. As of October 2026, its corporate information names PIF and RB Sports & Media as owners and identifies Jamie Reuben as the latter’s ultimate beneficial owner.⁠[12][13]

In October 2026, The Independent cited the Sunday Times Rich List’s combined estimate of almost £28 billion for the brothers, ranked second. It also reported that David had left London for Monaco that summer; his spokesperson did not explain the reason.⁠[14]

On October 7, TaxWatch highlighted earlier records of David’s Monaco residence. A July 31, 2019 Companies House filing lists Monaco as his usual residence. A February 2024 declaration reproduced by TaxWatch says he had lived there for approximately ten years. The early-October reports therefore do not establish a first move in 2026 or his tax motives.⁠[15][16]

Reuben Brothers: Official website: https://www.reubenbrothers.com/ (opens in a new window).⁠[1]

Reuben Foundation: Official website: https://www.reubenbrothers.com/the-reuben-foundation/ (opens in a new window).⁠[5]

Trans-World Group: Historical directorship is documented by Companies House.⁠[6]