Ever wonder who the wealthiest individuals in Portugal are? We did a deep dive and discovered that they come from diverse industries ranging from energy and investments to food distribution and retail. These billionaires have built their fortunes through various means such as family businesses, corporate leadership, and strategic investments. Let’s learn about the 11 richest people in Portugal. We will give you their total net worth and insights into their business ventures and financial accomplishments.
1. Maria Fernanda Amorim – Total Net Worth:€6.5 billion
It may surprise you to discover that the richest person in Portugal is a woman! Maria Fernanda Amorim, the widow of Américo Amorim, inherited his substantial fortune along with their three daughters. Américo, who passed away in 2017, was a significant figure in the cork industry and had diversified investments in energy sectors. The Amorim family owns a major stake in Galp Energia, where Maria’s eldest daughter, Paula Amorim, serves as the chairperson. This 18% stake is one of their most valuable assets, solidifying their position as one of the wealthiest families in Portugal.
Despite fluctuations in their fortune, Maria Fernanda Amorim has successfully maintained her family’s financial stability and ascended the Forbes billionaires list, rising 41 places between 2021 and 2023. The Amorim family’s involvement in Corticeira Amorim, the leading company in the cork industry, and other investments continue to secure their high net worth and influential status in Portugal’s business landscape.
2. Pedro Soares dos Santos – Total Net Worth:€3.4 billion
Pedro Soares dos Santos is the driving force behind Jerónimo Martins, a leading player in the global food distribution and retail industry. The company, founded in 1792, operates well-known chains such as Pingo Doce and Recheio. Under Pedro’s leadership, Jerónimo Martins has seen significant profit increases, largely due to its successful subsidiary, Biedronka, in Poland. This growth has cemented Pedro’s position as the second richest individual in Portugal.
Jerónimo Martins is a major contributor to Pedro’s fortune, with the company ranking among the Top 100 family businesses globally. Despite his substantial wealth, Pedro maintains a low profile and has no known political affiliations. The company’s extensive operations, including over 4,900 stores in Portugal, Poland, and Colombia, and its listing on Euronext Lisbon, contribute significantly to Pedro’s impressive net worth.
3. The Queiroz Pereira Family – Total Net Worth:€2.66 billion
The Queiroz Pereira family, including heirs Filipa, Mafalda, and Lua, holds a significant fortune through their shares in Semapa and The Navigator Company. Semapa is one of Portugal’s largest industrial groups, with operations in cement, pulp and paper, and venture capital. The Navigator Company, a multinational in forestry and renewable energy, further adds to the family’s wealth. With their fortune valued at 2.66 billion euros, the family continues to expand their business empire and maintain a prominent position among Portugal’s wealthiest.
4. The Guimarães Family de Mello – Total Net Worth: €2.652 billion
The Guimarães de Mello family, heirs of José Manuel de Mello, lead the Group José de Mello, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors including healthcare and chemicals. Vasco de Mello previously led the group and now Salvador de Mello currently serves as the CEO. The family’s fortune is also heavily invested in companies like CUF and Bondalti, as well as real estate.
The Guimarães family has diversified their investments, notably in the CUF health network and the José de Mello residence network. Their strategic expansion into green hydrogen and green lithium sectors through Bondalti demonstrates their forward-thinking approach. With a combined estate of 2.652 billion euros, the family’s influence spans across several key industries in Portugal.
5. Nuno, Paulo, and Cláudia Azevedo – Total Net Worth: €2.125 billion
The Azevedo siblings, heirs to the Sonae empire, inherited their wealth from their father, Belmiro de Azevedo. Sonae, a multinational business group, operates in various sectors including retail, telecommunications, and real estate. The siblings’ fortune is primarily derived from their holdings in Sonae SGPS, SonaeCom, Sonae Indústria, and Sonae Capital.
The Azevedo family’s business acumen has positioned them among Portugal’s wealthiest. Their strategic management of Sonae’s diverse portfolio, along with substantial real estate and agricultural investments, has resulted in a combined net worth of over 2.1 billion euros. Sonae’s presence in 90 countries and its status as the largest private employer in Portugal demonstrate the family’s significant economic impact.
6. The Alves Ribeiro Family – Total Net Worth:€1.357 billion
The Alves Ribeiro family’s fortune originates from the construction company founded by Artur Alves Ribeiro in 1941. Today, VÃtor and José Alves Ribeiro lead the family’s business ventures, which have expanded into real estate and banking. Their company, Mundicenter, manages 11 shopping centers, which contributes significantly to their wealth.
The family’s portfolio includes substantial investments in Banco Invest, a specialized savings and investment bank. Their diversified business interests and successful management of Mundicenter and other real estate assets have resulted in a net worth of 1.357 billion euros, placing them among the richest families in Portugal.
7. Fernando Campos Nunes – Total Net Worth:€1.350 billion
Fernando Campos Nunes, the owner of the Visabeira Group, has built a substantial fortune in various sectors including industry, telecommunications, construction, and tourism. Founded in 1980, Visabeira has grown into a multinational with operations in 16 countries. Brands like Vista Alegre Atlantis and TV Cabo Moçambique are part of the group’s diverse portfolio.
With a net worth of 1.35 billion euros, Fernando Campos Nunes has significantly expanded his business empire. The Visabeira Group’s successful ventures in telecommunications and tourism, including the Montebelo hotel chain and investments in Mozambique, underscore Nunes’ strategic business acumen and substantial financial success.
8. António Silva Rodrigues – Total Net Worth:€1.320 billion
António da Silva Rodrigues, founder of the Simoldes Group, has amassed a fortune through his work in the molds and automotive components industry. Starting in 1959, the company now operates 36 subsidiaries and three engineering centers globally. Simoldes’ major clients include automotive giants like Volkswagen and Renault.
António’s investments extend beyond manufacturing, with significant shares in Banco BIG and real estate. His strategic expansion and diversified portfolio have led to a net worth of over 1.3 billion euros.
9. Dionysius Pestana – Total Net Worth: €1.310 billion
DionÃsio Pestana, founder of the Pestana hotel group, has built a hospitality empire with more than 100 hotels worldwide. Starting with a single hotel in Madeira in 1966, the Pestana Group now includes brands like Pestana Hotels & Resorts and Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels, with partners with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manolo Arean, Flickr
The group’s expansion into tourism, casinos, and real estate has contributed to its valuation of 1.310 billion euros. DionÃsio Pestana’s strategic growth and diversification in the hospitality industry have solidified his position as one of Portugal’s richest individuals.
10. The Jervell Family – Total Net Worth: €1.110 billion
The Jervell family, founders of Ascendum and Auto Sueco Coimbra, are now led by Tomás Jervell. The Nors Group, their main asset, operates in mobility, off-road, aftermarket, and ventures sectors. The group has a significant presence in 17 countries and had a record turnover of 2.685 billion euros in 2022.
With a net worth of 1.110 billion euros, the Jervell family’s strategic investments and diverse business operations in the Nors Group have secured their place among Portugal’s wealthiest families.
11. The Caetano Family – Total Net Worth: €996 million
The Salvador Caetano family, owners of the Salor Caetano Group, have a long history in the automotive industry. Founded by Salvador Caetano Fernandes in 1946, the company initially focused on bus manufacturing and later expanded into car imports, particularly with Toyota. Today, the group includes over 100 companies in sectors like industry, services, and automotive retail.
Final Thoughts
From energy and retail to construction and hospitality, the 11 richest people/families in Portugal billionaires and their families have played significant roles in shaping Portugal’s economy. Their continued success and influence underscore the dynamic nature of Portugal’s business environment and give us an idea of how wealth is built in the country.
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