The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of José Manuel de Mello.

Following is the text of the President’s message:

"On behalf of the people of Portugal and in my own personal name and that of my wife, I address our deepest condolences to the Family of José Manuel de Mello, one of our Country’s most impelling entrepreneurs.

In addition to his consolidated and permanent strategic vision regarding the development of the Portuguese economy, José Manuel de Mello always assumed a business attitude guided by a dynamic and innovative entrepreneurship, which also aggregated in his companies a great sense of responsibility with respect to social issues.

In this time of deep mourning, I render my tribute to José Manuel de Mello, a man who will remain in the memory of all those who followed the course of his life, and who recognize his example as a unique leader in the universe of his companies and in the Portuguese entrepreneurial world.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"