He pumps billions into university research in places like Ireland and Australia because he believes it creates a skilled workforce and attracts top talent, setting the table for high-tech industry and foreign direct investment.

FORBES: Chuck Feeney: The Billionaire Who Is Trying To Go Broke

Over the past three decades, the American workforce has seen a widening gap between wages for high and low-skilled occupations and a hollowing out middle-wage jobs, say New York Fed Economists.

FORBES: Wages Becoming Increasingly Polarized, Economists Confirm

"Their decision to invest in Wales - particularly during this challenging economic period - demonstrates a high degree of confidence in what we can offer in Wales, both by way of a skilled and highly committed workforce and the right package of incentives, " he said.

BBC: French bakery expands to island