Belmiro de Azevedo: Belmiro de Azevedo Net Worth, Biography, Age, Spouse, Children & More

About Belmiro de Azevedo

Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo (1938-2017), a distinguished Portuguese entrepreneur and once the 605th richest individual globally, leaves behind a legacy with an estimated net worth of US$ 2 billion. He predominantly controlled Sonae SGPS, a leading force in Portugal’s retail and real estate sectors, boasting expansive operations across Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Brazil. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Portugal Telecom in 2006, Azevedo's impact spans various industries including telecommunications, tourism, media, and venture capital. Born to a carpenter and tailor in Marco de Canaveses, Azevedo’s journey from a chemical engineering degree at the University of Porto to an MBA from Harvard University, and eventually leading Sonae through challenging times post-1974 Carnation Revolution, exemplifies resilience and leadership. Survived by his wife, Maria Margarida Carvalhais Teixeira, and three children, Azevedo's familial ties to Sonae remain robust, with his legacy enduring in Portuguese business history.

Born

March 17, 1938 in Tuias, Marco de Canaveses, Portugal

Died

November 29, 2017 (aged 79)

Source Of Wealth

Retail

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Portugal

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Oporto University; Master of Business Administration, Harvard University

Spouse

Maria Margarida Carvalhais Teixeira

Children

Duarte Paulo Teixeira de Azevedo, Maria Claudia Teixeira de Azevedo, Nuno Miguel Teixeira de Azevedo

Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo was born on July 26, 1938, in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal. He was the son of a carpenter and a tailor. Despite his humble beginnings, Azevedo went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Portuguese history.

Belmiro de Azevedo: Family

Azevedo was married to Maria Margarida Carvalhais Teixeira, and they had three children together: Duarte Paulo Teixeira de Azevedo, Maria Cláudia Teixeira de Azevedo, and Nuno Miguel Teixeira de Azevedo. All three of his children are involved in the family business.

Belmiro de Azevedo: Career Highlights

Azevedo's career highlights include:

Acquiring shares from late banker Afonso Pinto de Magalhães, who fully owned Sonae through Banco Pinto de Magalhães.
Being put in charge of Sonae during turbulent years following the 1974 Carnation Revolution and company seizure by the Government.
Successfully keeping the company running and reclaiming ownership, leading to control of Sonae by Azevedo.
Unsuccessful hostile bid to control Portugal Telecom (PT) in 2006.

Belmiro de Azevedo: Companies

Azevedo controlled Sonae SGPS, one of Portugal's largest business groups, with operations in Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Brazil. Sonae is a leader in real estate and retailing, with investments in telecommunications, tourism, venture capital, and media.

Belmiro de Azevedo: Major Achievements

Azevedo's major achievements include:

Building Sonae into one of the largest business groups in Portugal.
Leading Sonae through a period of rapid growth and expansion.
Making Sonae a global leader in real estate and retailing.

Belmiro de Azevedo: Awards & Achievements

Azevedo received numerous awards and achievements, including:

Portuguese Businessman of the Year (1989).
European Businessman of the Year (1992).
Honorary Doctorate from the University of Porto (2008).

Belmiro de Azevedo: Personal Life & Legacy

Azevedo was a private person who rarely gave interviews. He was known for his hard work and dedication to his business. He was also a philanthropist who supported various charities and causes.

Azevedo passed away at CUF Hospital in Porto on November 29, 2017, at the age of 79.

Belmiro de Azevedo: Trivia

Azevedo was a keen sailor and enjoyed spending time on his yacht. He was also a fan of classical music and art. Azevedo was a self-made billionaire who built his fortune from scratch. He was a true rags-to-riches story and an inspiration to many.

Wealth History

Timeline

1938

Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo is born in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal.

1974

Carnation Revolution in Portugal leads to the seizure of Sonae by the Government.

1974-1975

Azevedo is put in charge of Sonae and successfully keeps the company running during turbulent years.

1975

Azevedo reclaims ownership of Sonae, leading to his control of the company.

1975-1982

Azevedo engages in a protracted legal battle with the sons of the late banker Afonso Pinto de Magalhães, who accuse him of incompetence and cockiness.

1982

Azevedo wins the legal battle and consolidates his control over Sonae.

2006

Azevedo makes an unsuccessful hostile bid to control Portugal Telecom (PT).

2008

Azevedo is ranked 605th richest person globally and 3rd richest in Portugal, with an estimated wealth of US$ 2 billion.

2017

Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo passes away at CUF Hospital in Porto on 29 November.

Belmiro de Azevedo : FAQs

What is Belmiro de Azevedo's net worth?

As of 2017, Belmiro de Azevedo's net worth was $1.50 billion.

What are Belmiro de Azevedo's main sources of wealth?

Belmiro de Azevedo's main source of income comes from Retail.

In which industry does Belmiro de Azevedo primarily operate?

Belmiro de Azevedo is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

What is Belmiro de Azevedo educational background?

Belmiro de Azevedo holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Oporto University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.

Is Belmiro de Azevedo dead?

Yes, Belmiro de Azevedo died on November 29, 2017 (aged 79).

How many children does Belmiro de Azevedo have?

Belmiro de Azevedo has 3 children.

What key businesses did Sonae SGPS, controlled by Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo, engage in?

Sonae SGPS, under the control of Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo, focused on real estate and retailing, with additional investments in telecommunications, tourism, venture capital, and media, operating in multiple countries including Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Brazil.

What significant challenge did Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo face in 2006 related to Portugal Telecom?

In 2006, Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo made an unsuccessful hostile bid to gain control of Portugal Telecom (PT), representing a significant challenge in his career as an entrepreneur.

How did Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo come to control Sonae SGPS, and what were some of the challenges he faced?

Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo acquired shares from the late banker Afonso Pinto de Magalhães, eventually being put in charge during turbulent times following the 1974 Carnation Revolution. He successfully kept the company running amid government seizure and a protracted legal battle with the banker's sons, reclaiming ownership and gaining full control of Sonae SGPS.

What is known about Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo's family and his succession?

Belmiro Mendes de Azevedo was married to Maria Margarida Carvalhais Teixeira and had three children: Duarte Paulo Teixeira de Azevedo (his successor), Maria Cláudia Teixeira de Azevedo, and Nuno Miguel Teixeira de Azevedo, all of whom are involved in the family business. He passed away on 29 November 2017 at CUF Hospital in Porto.