De Beers is currently majority-owned by Anglo American plc, which holds about 85% of the company, while the remaining 15% is owned by the Government of Botswana. However, Anglo American is in the process of selling its entire 85% stake, and both Botswana and Angola have publicly expressed interest in buying a large or majority share, so the ownership structure may change in the next couple of years.

Who owns De Beers right now?

  • De Beers Group is a multinational diamond company involved in mining, trading, and marketing of diamonds.
  • Its holding company structure is split between:
    • Anglo American plc: 85% shareholding (controlling owner at present).
* Government of **Botswana** : 15% direct ownership.

In other words, when people ask “who owns De Beers,” the concise answer is: mainly Anglo American, with Botswana as a significant minority partner.

Ongoing sale and “latest news”

  • Anglo American announced a restructuring and plans to divest (sell) its 85% stake in De Beers, largely driven by pressure to refocus its business and a weak natural diamond market.
  • Botswana’s president has repeatedly said the country aims to become the majority owner of De Beers and is working on financing to acquire more than 50%.
  • Angola’s state diamond company, Endiama, has also submitted a bid for Anglo’s stake, envisioning an ownership structure where several African countries hold stakes in De Beers.
  • Anglo has indicated that the separation or sale of De Beers is expected to be completed around the first half of 2026, but as of late 2025 the outcome (who will actually buy and control it) was still undecided.

So the current owner is Anglo American, but there is a live bidding and negotiation process that could shift majority ownership to Botswana, Angola, or a consortium of African states in the near future.

Quick history of ownership

  • De Beers was historically controlled for about 80 years by the Oppenheimer family, which built its reputation as a dominant “diamond cartel.”
  • In 2011, the Oppenheimers sold their 40% stake to Anglo American for about 5.1 billion USD, raising Anglo’s holding to 85% and ending Oppenheimer control.
  • Since then, the structure has been stable at 85% Anglo, 15% Botswana—until Anglo’s current divestment plan triggered today’s ownership reshuffle.

Forum / discussion angle and criticism

On forums and discussion boards, conversations about “who owns De Beers” often shift quickly to how the company has operated:

  • Commenters frequently describe De Beers as a historic monopoly or cartel that controlled 80–85% of rough diamond distribution during the 20th century, helping keep prices artificially high.
  • Common themes in these discussions:
    • Market control: Buying up supply and then releasing limited quantities to maintain high prices.
* Marketing influence: Shaping social norms around engagement rings and the idea that “diamonds are forever,” which critics say inflated perceived value.

* Ethical concerns: Allegations over the decades related to labor conditions, conflict diamonds, and the broader impact of diamond mining in Africa.

While De Beers’ market share and direct control over the global diamond supply have declined, the brand’s historical role still drives a lot of online debate and skepticism.

Why this is a trending topic now

  • The diamond industry is under pressure from:
    • A downturn in demand for natural diamonds and competition from cheaper lab‑grown stones.
* Changing consumer attitudes about sustainability and ethics in luxury goods.
  • Because De Beers is such a symbolic name in diamonds, the question “who will own De Beers next?” has become a key storyline in:
    • Industry news (mining and jewelry trade media).
* Regional politics in southern Africa, where diamonds are crucial export earners and part of national development strategies.

In 2026 terms, the simple answer is: De Beers is still owned mainly by Anglo American and partly by Botswana, but that majority stake is on the auction block, with Botswana and Angola vying to reshape the company’s future.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.