The news of Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s separation has sent shockwaves through the country, but what now happens to the empire they built together?

6PR Afternoons presenter and former editor of The Australian Financial Review’s Rich List Julie-anne Sprague agreed with Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings the events were personal for the now-former couple, but the economic repercussions have forced the story into the public spotlight.

“The shareholding that Andrew and Nicola have [in Fortescue Metals Group] is 36 per cent – it’s a substantial holding in a publicly-listed company,” Ms Sprague said.

“If the relationship was just a private relationship and had no impact, then a company like Fortescue does not need to go to the Australian Stock Exchange. But they have done so this morning.”

Press PLAY to hear Julie-anne Sprague’s full breakdown of the Forrest news

Editor of The Australian’s The List John Stensholt told Millsy and Karl on 6PR Breakfast it will likely take a while for the ramifications to be clear.

“Most of the empire is split in two, but she’s got an extra portion of shares which makes her a slightly bigger shareholder than her husband,” Mr Stensholt said.

Press PLAY to hear more on the Forrest fallout

Image: Nine News/Philip Gostelow