Arthur Sendas

Who was Arthur Sendas?

Arthur Antônio Sendas was a Brazilian businessman and business magnate, who founded one of Brazil's largest supermarket chains, Sendas supermaket.

Sendas began building and growing his first grocery store when he was just 17 years old. Eventually Sentas grew to become one of Brazil's largest chains. Sendas supermarkets were sold to rival company, Grupo Pão de Açúcar, in 2003. The supermakets continue to be operated under the Sendas name.

On October 20, 2008, Sendas was shot as he opened the door of his Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, apartment. He died of his injuries at a Rio de Janerio hospital hours later at the age of 72. Sentas' 28 year old driver, Roberto Costa Jr., who was seen arguing with Sendas shortly before the shooting, later confessed to the murder. Police detective Bianca Araujo said that Costa feared losing his job after Sendas' grandson João Arthur Sendas decided to move to the United States.

After his death, his first-born son Arthur Sendas Filho, took over as the CEO.

His son João Antônio Sendas committed suicide in 2003.

Sendas was a support of Vasco da Gama.

The Governor of Rio de Janeiro state, Sergio Cabral, declared three days of mourning following Sendas' death.