It operates in 90 countries, working in various sectors, among which retail (food, electronics, and fashion), real estate, media and telecommunications, technology investments, and financial services stand out.

Sonae was founded in 1959 by the entrepreneur, banker and patron from Arouca, Afonso Pinto de Magalhães.

The business group originated from the Sociedade Nacional de Estratificados, an industrial company operating in the area of processed wood, more specifically, in the production of decorative high-pressure laminated panels.

After the death of the founder, Belmiro de Azevedo reached the majority of the capital, with 54.6%, taking control of the company.

The group entered into the modern distribution market by opening the first hypermarket in Portugal, "Continente", in Matosinhos.

Posteriorly, another important step was taken when Sonae entered into the specialized retail area with the launch of Worten.

[10] In 2018, Cláudia Azevedo was elected executive president of Sonae by the biggest shareholder company of the group, the Efanor.

[citation needed] In 2012, Sonae invested more than 70 million Euros in research in the retail sector, in a programme that involved around 3,200 employees.

In 2014, Sonae compiled a book with more than 80 innovations developed during 2013, in areas like Health or Technology, many of them with national and international prizes.