Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital, hosts a remarkable concentration of family-owned businesses that shape the nation’s economic landscape. Generating nearly half of Chile’s GDP, Santiago blends tradition with innovation, serving as the entrepreneurial and financial hub for over 8 million residents. With Chile contributing 24% of global copper production and 30% of the world’s lithium, family businesses here are critical players in both local and international markets. Below are the 10 largest Santiago family businesses driving growth and innovation today.
10. Besalco – Owned by the Bezanilla-Saavedra family, Besalco, founded in 1944 by Victor Bezanilla Salinas, started as a construction firm and now spans real estate, energy, and mining services. With $890 million in annual revenue, the family remains at the helm, with Raúl Bezanilla Saavedra chairing the board.
9. Grupo Empresas Navieras – The Urenda family controls GEN, a logistics and maritime conglomerate. With $900 million in revenue, GEN operates Agencias Universales SA for cargo services, CMC for maritime trade, and FROWARD for port operations. José Manuel Urenda leads the family business today.
8. Concha y Toro – Latin America’s leading winery, Concha y Toro, is owned by the Guilisasti family and earns $1 billion annually. Founded in 1883, the company produces iconic wines like Casillero del Diablo, with Eduardo Guilisasti Gana currently serving as CEO.
7. SMU – Founded in 2007, SMU, controlled by the Saieh family, manages Unimarc supermarkets, Ok Market, and wholesale chains Alvi and Mayorista 10, generating $3 billion in revenue. The company also produces 18 exclusive food and home brands, expanding into Peru.
6. Banco de Crédito e Inversiones (BCI) – Owned by the Yarur family, BCI is one of Chile’s largest banking institutions with $4.5 billion in revenue. Founded in 1937, it manages $95 billion in regional assets across Chile, Peru, and the US. Luis Enrique Yarur Rey leads the company, with his son Ignacio joining the board in 2024.
5. Empresas CMPC – The Matte family controls CMPC, Latin America’s largest paper company. Founded in 1920, it operates in 8 countries, sells products in 45, and earns $8 billion annually. Third-generation Matte family members, including Bernardo and Jorge Matte, remain on the board.
4. Quiñenco S.A. – The Luksic family owns Quiñenco, a $9 billion conglomerate operating in finance, beverages, energy, and transportation. Subsidiaries include Banco de Chile and Compañía de las Cervecerías Unidas. Four family members serve as directors, ensuring strong family oversight.
3. S.A.C.I. Falabella – The Solari & Falabella family operates Chile’s largest retailer with $13 billion in annual revenue. With over 500 stores and seven-country reach, Falabella manages brands like Sodimac, Tottus, and Mallplaza. Teresa Matilde Solari Falabella and her children remain significant owners.
2. Cencosud – Controlled by the Paulmann family, Cencosud earns $17 billion annually. Operating over 1,000 stores in six countries, the retail giant includes Jumbo, Santa Isabel, and Easy. Heike Paulmann remains a director, while her brother Manfred leads the shopping centre division.
1. Antarchile SA – The Angelini family’s Antarchile tops the list with $30 billion in revenue. The holding company manages Copec, Arauco, and Abastible, operating in over 80 countries. Roberto Angelini Rossi serves as chair, with his sister Patricia and son Maurizio involved in governance.
These Santiago family businesses illustrate the power of legacy, innovation, and global reach. From wine and retail to mining and finance, these family-owned enterprises are key drivers of Chile’s economic success, blending tradition with modern enterprise to remain influential players in South America and beyond.
