How a 'Lone Wolf' tycoon created 68 millionaires with his water empire

Based on the HK$21.50 ($2.77) pricing, Zhong's 84% post-IPO stake in Nongfu is valued at $26 billion, putting his net worth at $38 billion

He’s known as the “Lone Wolf.”

Zhong Shanshan has worked in construction, journalism, drug making and bottled water. Those last two endeavors have made him one of the world’s richest people, but he’s rarely quoted in the press, isn’t involved in politics and his business interests aren’t entwined with other rich families, such as the property tycoons. Hence the nickname.

That hasn’t hindered the popularity of Nongfu Spring Co., whose red-capped bottles are sold across China everywhere from mom-and-pop snack stalls to high-end hotels. The company is proving just as popular to investors. Its Hong Kong initial public offering was oversubscribed by