Huge payout in Russian tycoon Berezovsky's divorce

LONDON -- Self-exiled Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky says a London court has granted a preliminary divorce decree from his second wife.

The billionaire declined to comment on what the settlement might be. But the British newspaper, The Guardian, says it could be as much as 100 million pounds ($154 million.)


Berezovsky told The Associated Press Friday that it was up to the court to decide the payout for Galina Besharova, his wife of 18 years.


A Family Court judge in London granted Besharova the initial divorce decree Thursday. The divorce usually becomes final after six weeks.


Berezovsky does not intend to contest the divorce request.
Forbes magazine once estimated that the former Kremlin insider is worth US$1.1 billion.