Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players ever in the history of world soccer, and the Portuguese personality best known and admired around the world, today acquired, through CR7, SA and in strategic alignment with Grupo Visabeira, 10% of the capital of Vista Alegre Atlantis SGPS and agreed to acquire, in an operation to be carried out in the coming days, 30% of the capital of Vista Alegre Spain.

The parties also agreed on the joint creation of a new company in Middle East & Asia, the aim of which is to grow the Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro brands in those geographies. This collaboration between the two will speed up the process of global expansion of the brands in the prestige/luxury segment in various international markets, both in retail and in premium hospitality.

Cristiano Ronaldo pointed out that "Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro are brands for which I have always had great admiration and of which I am a regular customer. The possibility of supporting Vista Alegre's globalization strategy as a luxury lifestyle brand is a source of pride for me as a Portuguese. Together we will do everything in our power to promote this national icon of excellence and place it among the best brands in the world."

Fernando Campos Nunes, founder and shareholder of Grupo Visabeira, which owns Grupo Vista Alegre Atlantis SGPS, made a point of emphasizing at the signing of the agreement that "It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Cristiano Ronaldo as our investor, and this moment represents the union of two of the most important and unanimous Portuguese brands. Cristiano Ronaldo is an inseparable element of Portugal. He manages to take the name of our country to the most remote places on earth, with an image of hard work, dedication, friendliness and talent. It truly is a global brand. What's more, he's extremely proud of his country and everyone looks up to him.

So too are Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro. This investment comes at a time when the brand, founded in 1824, is celebrating its 200th anniversary, with various actions in Portugal and in foreign markets, including exhibitions, publications, the launch of pieces with national and international artists and designers, and various events.

Vista Alegre's connection to soccer goes back a long way, as the Pinto Basto family played a key role in introducing it to Portugal. In 1886, it was the founder's great-grandchildren who brought the first soccer to Portugal and, on January 22, 1889, organized the first official match, which took place on the grounds of the current Campo Pequeno bullring in Lisbon.