A brief statement did not give details on the circumstances of the 74-year-old's death.

It said Mr Merckle had "ended his life" when the problems his businesses suffered as a result of the financial crisis "broke" him.

Mr Merckle's business interests included drug maker Ratiopharm International GmbH and cement maker HeidelbergCement AG.

Mr Merckle's body was found on Monday near railway tracks at Blaubeuren in south-western Germany.

Police described the death as a "railway accident" and said there was no evidence that anyone else was to blame.

His family had reported Merckle missing after he failed to return home.