Azambuja-based brand experience company, generating €65 million in revenue, is present in several markets, with exports accounting for 80% of its business.
Portuguese brand experience agency Multilem, which surpassed €65 million in revenue last year, continues to strengthen its global presence and diversify its business areas to drive growth. Taking its “first steps into the Chinese market,” the company already conducts 80% of its business abroad and is preparing to launch a new brand in Portugal.
Headquartered in Azambuja, Multilem has more than tripled its revenue in recent years. “Our consolidated sales volume was €17 million in 2019, grew to €47 million in 2022, and surpassed €65 million in 2024,” said Luís Matos Chaves, Managing Director of Multilem Portugal, to ECO.
According to Chaves, the company – which specializes in building stands for trade shows and corporate events for clients such as Turismo de Portugal and TAP – continues to invest in “entering new countries, segments, and business areas that complement the Group’s existing portfolio.” “We are taking our first steps in the Chinese market through a new partnership aimed at strengthening the Multilem brand’s presence in the country,” he said.
“In 2024, we opened offices in the UK and the USA, with two distinct business plans tailored to each market’s strategy. Both will require structural investment over the next 3 to 5 years.” – Luís Matos Chaves, Managing Director of Multilem Portugal
Beyond this expansion, the company continues to invest in markets where it is already active. “In 2024, we opened offices in the UK and the USA, with two distinct business plans tailored to each market’s strategy. Both will require structural investment over the next 3 to 5 years,” highlights Chaves.
Another focus of the strategy is to “strengthen our largest central offices – currently in Portugal and the Middle East – which operate as regional hubs and play a key role in developing markets in their respective regions.” “In parallel, we are developing a project to launch a new brand in Portugal, focused on the design and fit-out of spaces such as shops, offices, commercial areas, etc.,” he added.
The company, which currently employs 109 people in Portugal and 200 globally, relies heavily on exports. “Around 80% of our activity involves international clients, which makes Multilem a positive contributor to the value generated by Portuguese exports,” said the managing director.
New Record in 2024
With several months into 2025, Chaves remains optimistic. “We are experiencing a very dynamic first half of 2025, with a pipeline that already ensures annual break-even across all geographies – which, for a service-based business, is very positive at this stage of the year,” he explained. “In Multilem Portugal, we will likely have a first half that surpasses 2024, which was already a record year,” he anticipates.
“At Multilem Portugal, we will likely have a first half better than 2024, which was already a record year.” – Luís Matos Chaves
“This year we’ve handled large-scale and high-profile projects,” he notes. Some examples include: “From Novo Banco’s commercial kickoff in Alcobaça, to notable appearances such as Embratur at T&AS in Los Angeles- which won Best in Show – or TAP’s presence at BTL 2025 celebrating its 80th anniversary.”
He also highlights the SOS OCEAN project in Paris for the Oceano Azul Foundation, “a unique event that blended sustainability, culture, and responsibility.” He adds: “Brazil’s presence at Milan Design Week, where we worked with ApexBrasil and Abimóvel in two spaces showcasing the best of Brazilian design and identity. At the same time, we participated in events like Coverings in the US with Centro Rochas, and Galeria Brasil, a sensorial project in the heart of Paris celebrating Brazil’s heritage in an innovative way.”
With multiple projects underway, Chaves notes that “the market is evolving very quickly, with clients becoming increasingly demanding and focused on ROI. It’s not enough to create something beautiful – the experience must be relevant, impactful, and deliver results.” “Personalization has become essential, and technology is now a vital ally, both in crafting memorable experiences and in measuring their impact,” he adds.
“Working across geographies also requires a high level of planning and adaptability. From our headquarters in Azambuja, we are able to execute projects anywhere in the world
with a level of control and efficiency that only a well-integrated operation can provide. The market doesn’t stop, and neither do we,” he concludes.
“It’s undeniable that the current U.S. trade policy is creating some economic uncertainty and may hinder access for some clients to the American market (…) Nevertheless, this situation doesn’t alter our commitment: the U.S. remains a strategic market for Multilem Group, and we are committed to sustained investment in this region.” – Luís Matos Chaves
As for the U.S., Chaves explains that Multilem “has been developing projects in the U.S. for several years, mainly for clients from different offices across the Group.” “In 2024, we took a strategic step forward by formally opening a local company with its own implementation capabilities,” a move that has proven crucial in the current environment. Without that autonomy, he adds, “the current context could have compromised our ability to respond to international clients operating in the U.S. market.”
Even so, he acknowledges, “it’s undeniable that current U.S. trade policy is creating some economic uncertainty and may hinder access for some clients to the American market.” “That’s why we remain alert and ready to assess any potential medium-term impacts. Still, this situation doesn’t change our commitment: the U.S. remains a strategic market for Multilem Group, and we are committed to continued investment in the region.”
