Forbes Portugal magazine released its long-awaited annual list, entitled The 50 Portuguese millionaires 2024highlighting the country’s richest families and the sectors in which they built their fortunes. Together, the 50 millionaires have a wealth of R$45 billion, an increase of almost R$5 billion compared to the previous year.
The giants of wealth in Portugal
According to the publication, the ten richest families concentrate a significant share of this total wealth, jointly holding 23.5 billion euros. This value represents almost half of the wealth accumulated by the 50 names on the list, highlighting the impact of these families on the national economy.
Although the top three positions remain in the hands of the same families from 2023 — Amorim, Guimarães de Mello and Soares dos Santos — there was an exchange of places between the second and third placed. The family Soares dos Santosonce in second place, was overtaken by the family Guimarães de Mellowhich now occupies the vice-leadership.
The top 10 richest in Portugal
Forbes highlighted the top 10 places in the ranking, detailing the sectors in which they operate and their accumulated fortunes:
- Fernanda, Paula, Marta and Luísa Amorim
Companies: Galp, Corticeira Amorim
Fortuna: 5,400 million euros
The heiresses of the Amorim empire continue to lead, benefiting from the diversification of their investments in energy and cork. - Guimarães de Mello family
Companies: José de Mello Group, CUF, Breeze, bondalti
Fortuna: 3,329 million euros
The family rose to second place thanks to the robust performance of its businesses in healthcare, infrastructure and the chemical industry. - Soares dos Santos family
Companies: Francisco Manuel dos Santos Society, Jerónimo Martins
Fortuna: 2,942 million euros
The influence of this family is marked by its dominant position in food retail, with brands such as Pingo Doce and Biedronka. - Nuno, Paulo and Cláudia Azevedo
Companies: Sonae SGPS, Sonae Capital, Sonae Indústria, SonaeCom
Fortuna: 2,383 million euros
The Sonae group continues to be a pillar of national commerce and industry, with a presence also in technology. - Alves Ribeiro family
Companies: Mundicenter, Alves Ribeiro, Alrisa, Banco Invest
Fortuna: 1,770 million euros
The investment in shopping centers and construction guaranteed the stability and growth of the family fortune. - Dionísio Pestana
Companies: Pestana Group, Portugal guesthouses, Madeira Casino
Fortuna: 1,750 million euros
Leader in the hotel sector, Dionísio Pestana maintains his position as one of the biggest names in tourism in Portugal. - Silva Domingues Family
Companies: BA Glass Group, Euroatla, Euronave, Cereal
Fortuna: 1,694 million euros
The glass and food sector sustains this family’s wealth. - Antônio Silva Rodrigues
Companies: Simoldes Group, Banco BIG, Millenium BCP
Fortuna: 1,693 million euros
Present in the automotive and financial industries, Antonio Silva Rodrigues is an example of successful diversification. - Carlos Moreira da Silva
Companies: BA Glass Group, Horizon Equity Partners, Cereal
Fortuna: 1,613 million euros
Another big name in the glass industry and the food sector, consolidating its position in the top 10. - Fernando Campos Nunes
Companies: Visabeira Group, Vista Alegre Atlantis, Bordalo Pinheiro
Fortuna: 1,596 million euros
The focus on iconic Portuguese design brands and diversified investments puts Visabeira on the international radar.
Trends and Growth of Wealth
The growth in fortunes reflects the resilience and success of the main sectors of the national economy, such as energy, retail, tourism and industry. It also highlights that many of Portugal’s richest families have diversified their investments, expanding their portfolios to face global economic challenges.
This annual list not only portrays the economic impact of the richest, but also highlights the role that these actors play in the Brazilian economy, whether through job creation, innovation or influence in the international market.
With a combined wealth of 45 billion euros, the 50 Portuguese millionaires of 2024 are a mirror of the country’s business dynamism, where tradition and innovation coexist to shape the future of the national economy.
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