António Mota Cedes 28% of Mota-Engil Holding to Four Children in Succession Move
A significant transition is underway at the top of one of Portugal's most influential family-run conglomerates, as the historic businessman António Mota has transferred 28% of the capital of Mota Gestão e Participações (MGP), the primary holding company of the Mota-Engil construction group, to his four children. The move, detailed in a formal communication to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) on Thursday, marks a definitive step in the generational succession plan for the sprawling infrastructure and real estate empire.
This transfer follows António Mota's departure from the Mota-Engil board of directors, which was announced in April. The donation of 1,789,780 shares in the family holding was made off-market and divided equally among his heirs: Manuel Mota, Maria Sílvia da Fonseca Vasconcelos da Mota, Maria Inês da Fonseca Vasconcelos da Mota Sá, and Maria Luísa da Fonseca Vasconcelos da Mota. This action solidifies the third generation's control over the family's interests in the publicly-listed construction firm, where MGP holds a commanding stake of 40.32%.
In a concurrent development, António Mota has also stepped down from his role on the Board of Directors of the holding company MGP. His position will be filled by his son, Manuel Mota, who had previously taken over his father's vice-presidency on the main Mota-Engil board. This consolidates Manuel Mota's position as a key figure in the future leadership of the family's extensive business interests. The executive leadership of Mota-Engil itself remains under the direction of CEO Carlos Mota Santos, António Mota's nephew, who assumed the role in early 2023.
The transition marks the gradual withdrawal of António Mota, a pivotal figure who led the company's transformation into a global entity. After starting as an intern in 1976 at the original family firm, Mota & Companhia, he became president in 1995 and spearheaded an internationalization strategy that positioned Mota-Engil among the 25 largest construction firms in Europe. His legacy is tied to the group's expansion across Africa, Latin America, and Central Europe.
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This change in shareholder structure is of significant interest to the real estate and construction industries in Portugal and beyond. Mota-Engil is a dominant force in major public infrastructure projects, residential and commercial real estate development, and transport concessions. The strategic vision of the new generation of family leadership will influence the company's future projects, investment focus, and partnerships. The market will be observing how this new leadership navigates challenges and opportunities in the sector, from sustainable construction to digital transformation.
The company's statement to the CMVM ensures transparency in the transition, a crucial factor for investor confidence. While the move signals continuity through family succession, it also opens the door to renewed strategic direction under a new generation of leaders. The long-term impact on Mota-Engil's domestic and international operations will be a key focus for industry analysts and competitors in the coming years.
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