The core business of the Portuguese group Constructora Lena, based 62 miles north of Lisbon, is construction and public works. António Barroca Rodrigues is the group’s vice president: “we are a second generation family group made up of over 50 companies,” he explains. “The group’s turnover is now in the region of US$250 million, and our greatest asset is our people. Our secret has been to seize the opportunities that others overlook and key to our success is matching the business opportunity with the right people.”

At present, 80% of the group’s business is construction, and 90% is carried out in central Portugal. “Having our base in Leiria has enabled us to work on projects such as the Expo 98 and to expand southwards.” Future projects could include a third Lisbon Bridge, a second Lisbon Airport and construction of the stadiums for the Euro 2004 football championships. “The Lena philosophy is to work in partnership with companies who have expertise but not capital. We have recently been involved in the construction of the 62 mile-long Atlantic Highway with eight other partners,” says Mr. Barroca.

It is a philosophy Lena has also taken overseas. “We have been working with partners in Hungary and Romania. Mozambique also offered possibilities but has suffered from political unrest. Brazil is where we will register our highest growth overseas.” Lena is keenly aware that the EU investment framework ends in 2006 and construction will inevitably slow down, so Mr. Barroca is currently looking at ways to diversify the group’s activities. “We are looking to reduce our construction activities by 2006 to 40% of our core business and tourism is an area with enormous potential. We are already working with an American company in adventure tourism. The way the Portuguese and the Americans do business abroad is very similar so we make a good match.” Lena also invests in the automobile and waste disposal industries and is looking into natural gas as a new growth opportunity in Portugal.