Sonae

Sonae SGPS, S.A. is a Portuguese multinational holding company headquartered in Maia, Portugal. It operates across several sectors, principally retail, real estate, and telecommunications, and has a presence in Europe and South America through subsidiaries and investments. The group includes Sonae Retail, Sonae Sierra (shopping-center development and management), and NOS (telecommunications and media). It owns or operates major retail brands such as Continente (hypermarkets and supermarkets) and Worten (electronics and appliances).

Sonae traces its origins to 1959 when Belmiro de Azevedo founded a small family-run company in Maia. The group expanded from textiles into retail and other activities and was reorganized as a public holding company, Sonae SGPS, to coordinate diversified operations. It grew through acquisitions and international expansion, and became one of Portugal's largest private-sector employers and one of the country's largest listed groups. The company is listed on Euronext Lisbon and is part of the PSI-20 index. Governance is carried out by a board of directors and an executive management team; the Azevedo family has historically played a controlling role through share ownership.

As of the 2020s, Sonae's strategy focuses on strengthening core businesses in retail, shopping centers, and telecommunications, while seeking growth opportunities in selected international markets and real estate development. It seeks to balance operations with financial discipline and sustainability commitments.