Tobacco: Lucio Tan's tobacco company, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, is the largest cigarette manufacturer in the Philippines. It has a dominant market share in the country and produces popular brands like Marlboro, Philip Morris, and Fortune. The company has been the subject of controversy over the years due to its marketing practices and the health risks associated with smoking.
Banking: The LT Group also owns Philippine National Bank, which is one of the largest banks in the Philippines. The bank provides a wide range of financial services, including commercial banking, investment banking, and insurance. Lucio Tan also has a stake in Allied Bank, which was acquired by Philippine National Bank in 2013.
Liquor: Lucio Tan's liquor company, Tanduay Distillers, is the second-largest rum producer in the Philippines and is also involved in the production of gin and brandy. The company has a strong presence in the local market and has been expanding its reach to other countries.
Property development: Through Eton Properties, a subsidiary of the LT Group, Lucio Tan has been involved in property development in the Philippines and other countries. Eton Properties has developed several residential and commercial projects in Metro Manila and has also expanded to China.
Aviation: Lucio Tan also has a stake in Philippine Airlines, the national carrier of the Philippines. Through his ownership of the airline, Lucio Tan has been instrumental in expanding air travel in the Philippines and promoting the country as a tourist destination.
Philanthropy: Lucio Tan has been involved in various philanthropic activities over the years. He has established several foundations that provide scholarships, medical assistance, and other forms of aid to underprivileged communities in the Philippines. In recognition of his contributions to society, Lucio Tan has received several awards and accolades, including the Order of Sikatuna, the highest honor that can be conferred on a civilian by the Philippine government.
Lucio Tan's business empire began with a small cigarette factory in Manila in the 1960s. Over the years, he expanded his business interests to other industries and became one of the richest men in the Philippines. However, his business dealings have not been without controversy.
In the 1980s, Lucio Tan was accused of tax evasion and faced charges from the Philippine government. He denied the allegations and fought the charges in court for years. In 2001, he was finally acquitted of all charges.
Lucio Tan has also faced criticism for his close ties to former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Tan was a close friend of Marcos and was believed to have benefited from the regime's corruption and cronyism. However, he has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that his success was due to hard work and business acumen.
Despite the controversies, Lucio Tan has been a major contributor to the Philippine economy and has created thousands of jobs through his various businesses. He is also known for his philanthropy and has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes. In 2019, he donated $50 million to the University of the Philippines to support research and development in various fields.
As of 2021, Lucio Tan's net worth is estimated to be around $3.3 billion, according to Forbes. He is one of the wealthiest people in the Philippines and continues to be actively involved in his various businesses.