Nestled along South America’s Pacific coast, Chile is one of the continent’s most prosperous nations. With a population of nearly 20 million generating a GDP of more than $300 billion[1], the country thrives on its dynamic economic pillars: agriculture, fishery, forestry resources, and mining. As the world’s top copper producer, Chile accounts for 24% of global copper production and around 30% of the world’s lithium — a vital resource for the booming tech and green energy industries. Notably, 72% of its copper mines are privately owned, reflecting a robust private sector.
At the heart of Chile’s economic vibrancy is Santiago, Chile’s capital city — and also its largest, with over 8 million residents. As the country’s primary international access point and economic engine, it accounts for nearly half of Chile’s GDP. Santiago has also emerged as Chile’s entrepreneurial hub and an epicentre of innovation, hosting around 300 startups and home to approximately 80% of Chile’s family- or privately owned businesses. From global mining giants to entrepreneurial ventures, Santiago embodies the spirit of modern Chile — where tradition meets innovation on a global stage.
Here are the 10 largest Family Businesses in Santiago:
10. Besalco
Owning/Controlling Family: Bezanilla-Saavedra
Annual Revenue: $890 Million
Founded in 1944 by Victor Bezanilla Salinas, Besalco began as a construction company specialising in infrastructure and road works. Over the decades, it has expanded into real estate development, concession, energy, and mining services.
In 1995, Besalco became Chile’s first construction company to list on the Santiago Stock Exchange, solidifying its position as an industry leader. Expanding its footprint beyond Chile, the company launched its Peruvian subsidiary, Besco, in 1998, which also operates in the Colombian market.
The company’s leadership remains rooted in its founding family. Victor Bezanilla’s son, Raúl Bezanilla Saavedra, chairs the board, while his brother Paulo Bezanilla Saavedra serves as General Manager.
9. Grupo Empresas Navieras
Owning/Controlling Family: Urenda
Annual Revenue: $900 Million
Headed by Jose Manuel Urenda, Grupo Empresas Navieras (GEN) serves as an investment holding company for the Urenda family’s diverse interests in transportation, logistics, and port management. The Group’s Agencias Universales SA (AGUNSA) subsidiary provides cargo services at ports across South America, as well as logistics solutions and airline administration operations.
GEN’s Compañía Marítima Chilena S.A. (CMC) operates a maritime trade fleet and vessel sales business, while Portuaria Cabo Froward S.A. (FROWARD) serves as GEN’s port owner/operator.
The family’s legacy in shipping traces back to Beltrán Urenda Zegers, José’s father, who not only founded these thriving businesses but also played a prominent role as president of Chile’s National Shipowners Association. Today, GEN continues to chart a course for growth and innovation in global logistics and trade.
8. Concha y Toro
Owning/Controlling Family: Guilisasti
Annual Revenue: $1 Billion
As Latin America’s leading wine producer, Concha y Toro brands are available in 140 countries globally. Iconic labels such as Casillero del Diablo, Marques de Casa Concha, and Don Melchor have cemented the company’s global reputation.
Founded in 1883 by Don Melchor Concha y Toro, the winery began using vines from the Bordeaux region of France and has since grown into a symbol of excellence. Today, the company’s Casillero del Diablo is Latin America’s most popular wine brand and the world’s second most influential.
Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle took over leadership of the business in 1971 and is credited with its rapid growth throughout the end of the 20th century. Today, under the leadership of his son, Eduardo Guilisasti Gana, who has served as CEO since 1989, Concha y Toro continues to innovate while celebrating its rich winemaking heritage.
7. SMU
Owning/Controlling Family: Saieh
Annual Revenue: $3 Billion
Founded in 2007 with the Saieh family’s acquisition of over 60 Unimarc supermarkets, SMU has become a leader in Chile’s retail sector, offering a diverse range of shopping formats. It operates the Ok Market convenience store chain, wholesale segments Alvi, and Mayorista 10, and its flagship Unimarc supermarket chain, ensuring broad accessibility across all 16 of Chile’s regions. SMU is also expanding its footprint in Peru through its Mayorsa and Maxi Ahorro supermarkets.
SMU currently manages a portfolio of 18 exclusive food and home brands, including Nuestra Cocina, Smart Clean, Pelayo, and Kids for Kids. Although Álvaro Saieh resigned from his position as SMU President in 2018, he remains the company’s leading shareholder and controller of the board.
6. Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
Owning/Controlling Family: Yarur
Annual Revenue: $4.5
As one of Chile’s largest and most respected banking institutions, Banco de Crédito e Inversiones (BCI) has over 300 retail and wholesale banking locations across Chile, Peru, and the US. The company’s financial division offers investment solutions and insurance products to both personal and corporate clients, managing regional assets exceeding $95 billion.
Co-founded in 1937 by Juan Yarur Lolas, a pioneer who had already established one of Chile’s largest textile operations, BCI has grown into a financial powerhouse. Today, Juan’s grandson, Luis Enrique Yarur Rey, leads as its President and Chair. The legacy continues with Luis’s son, Ignacio Yarur Arrasate, who assumed a director’s role and board position in 2024.
5. Empresas CMPC
Owning/Controlling Family: Matte
Annual Revenue: $8 billion
Empresas CMPC stands as Latin America’s largest paper company and the region’s second-largest manufacturer of tissue paper and market pulp. Founded in 1920 by Eliodoro Matte Ossa, the forestry and paper products company now operates in 8 Latin American countries, with products sold in 45 countries globally. Empresas CMPC also acts as the Matte family’s primary holding company for its forestry, pulp, bio-packaging and tissue segments.
The Matte legacy continues to shape Empresas CMPC. After the founder died in 2000, his children Bernardo Matte, Eliodoro Matte, and Patricia Matte inherited a controlling stake in in the business. Today, third-generation family members Bernardo Matte, Jorge Matte, and Bernardo Larraín serve on the board.
4. Quiñenco S.A.
Owning/Controlling Family: Luksic
Annual Revenue: $9 billion
As one of Chile’s largest business conglomerates, Quiñenco operates across a wide range of sectors, including financial, beverage, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and port services. Founded by Andrónico Luksic in 1957 as a logging venture to support the country’s coal mining industry, Quiñenco entered the food sector with its acquisition of pasta producer and retailer Empresas Lucchetti during the 1960s. The Group continued to diversify its activities throughout the latter half of the 20th century and grow its international presence.
Today, Quiñenco manages an impressive $123 billion in assets and controls subsidiaries such as Banco de Chile, beverage producer Compañía de las Cervecerías Unidas, shipping line Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores, and fuel distributor Empresa Nacional de Energía Enex.
The Luksic family remains deeply involved in the company’s leadership. Although Andronicus Luksic Craig, son of founder Andrónico, resigned as Quiñenco chair in 2023, four family members serve as directors on the company’s board, including Andronicus’ brother, Jean-Paul Luksic Fontbona, and son, Andrónico Luksic Lederer.
3. S.A.C.I. Falabella
Owning/Controlling Family: Solari & Falabella
Annual Revenue: $13 billion
Founded in 1889 by Salvatore Falabella as a Santiago tailoring store in 1889, S.A.C.I. Falabella has grown into Chile’s largest retail company and one of the biggest in Latin America. Today, it operates 531 fashion and department stores, as well as 46 shopping centres, and offers comprehensive digital personal banking solutions. With a presence extending across seven countries — Chile, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina — Falabella has become a household name across the region.
The company’s portfolio includes brands such as Sodimac, Tottus, Mallplaza, and Banco Felabella. Alberto Solari, who joined in the 1930s, is credited with expanding and diversifying the company’s segments. Salvatore’s great-granddaughter, Teresa Matilde Solari Falabella, and her children, Luisa Solari Falabella and Juan Cuneo Solari, currently own stakes in the fashion firm, with Juan serving as the company’s Vice Chair. Extended family members Carlo, Piero, and Sandro Solari Donnagio also play key roles.
2. Cencosud
Owning/Controlling Family: Paulmann
Annual Revenue: $17 Billion
Horst Paulmann went from opening a small restaurant in 1960 to building one of Latin America’s largest retail conglomerates and its leading supermarket business. Today, Censosud operates five business units in Chile, totalling more than 360 store locations and 33 shopping centres. Cencosud’s presence spans six countries — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Peru, and the US — with over 1,000 stores and a workforce of around 120,000. The company’s popular retail banners include Jumbo, Santa Isabel, and Easy.
Heike Paulmann took over as Cencosud’s President and Chair in 2021 after her father and company founder stepped away from the business. Although she resigned from her leadership roles at Cencosud in 2023, Heike remains a Director. Her brother, Manfred Paulmann Koepfer, serves on the board and chairs the company’s shopping centre segment, as well as its recently acquired The Fresh Market chain.
1. Antarchile SA
Owning/Controlling Family: Angelini
Annual Revenue: $30 billion
With managed assets of more than $29 billion, Antarchile is a leading industrial holding company with a diversified portfolio including forestry and energy company, Empresas Copec SA; wood products firm, Arauco; and Chile’s leading liquefied petroleum gas producer, Abastible. Through its subsidiaries, Antarchile operates in over 80 countries.
Founded in the 1950s by Italian immigrants Gino and Anacleto Angelini, the company initially focused on Chile’s construction, fishing, and forestry sectors. In 1986, Anacleto bought a controlling share in Copec, marking a pivotal moment in Antarchile’s expansion.
Today, Angelini’s nephew, Roberto Angelini Rossi, chairs Antarchile and Copec. Roberto’s sister, Patricia Angelini Rossi, also owns stakes in the family firm, while Roberto’s son, Maurizio Angelini, serves on the board of both Antarchile and Copec.
[1] https://www.statista.com/topics/2590/chile/#topicOverview
