Sonae, SGPS, SA · Maia Portugal ·(Euronext Lisbon: SON)

Sonae's business started in the 1950s in Portugal, making laminated wood paneling for use in construction. In the 1980s it began to diversify through the acquisition of a supermarket chain and the development of hypermarkets. Today, the Portuguese conglomerate is the country's #1 retailer and operates under the Continente (hypermarkets), Modelo and Modelo Bonjour (supermarkets) banners, among numerous others. It is also invested in wireless and fixed communication systems and services, Internet services, shopping center development and operation, insurance, and tourism in 16 countries. In late 2005 Sonae sold its supermarket business in Brazil, which included 140 stores, to Wal-Mart for about $757 million. To read the full description, subscribe now.