Sonae tops 1,000 stores abroad as overseas sales rise

Sonae ended 2025 with more than 1,000 stores outside Portugal, as its international business generated €2.3 billion in sales, more than 20% of the group’s €11.4 billion revenue. The figures show the growing weight of overseas operations for one of Portugal’s largest retail groups, owner of the Continente supermarket chain.

According to data released by the company, international sales rose 45% from 2024, a year marked by a record €1.1 billion investment in acquisitions abroad, and increased 11% on a comparable business basis. Sonae said the share of international sales in total group revenue increased to more than 20%, reflecting both organic growth and consolidation moves.

In retail alone, Sonae’s brands ended the year with 1,070 stores outside Portugal, up by 74 from a year earlier. By the end of 2025, more than 42% of the group’s total store network was located in international markets, mainly in Europe.

The expansion followed a wave of deals in 2024, including the acquisition of Nordic pet care retailer Musti, Diorren, and the combination of Druni and Arenal in Spain. Sonae said that in health and beauty it is the market leader in Spain through Druni and Arenal, while its international footprint also includes electronics through Worten and iServices, fashion through Salsa, and pet care through Musti, which operates in seven countries.

Sonae also said its real estate arm Sierra expanded internationally in 2025 with the acquisition of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s real estate management division, becoming the second-largest manager of third-party shopping centres in Germany. The group reported record sales above €11 billion in 2025, while net profit rose 11% to €247 million.

Originally published at Eco.pt