Ricardo Salinas Pliego

Salinas Pliego developed a portfolio around Elektra's retail business, then television and financial services. The acquisition that created TV Azteca in 1993 was followed by Banco Azteca's launch in 2002, using branches inside the retail network. The businesses could reinforce each other while remaining economically distinct. Consumer lending, merchandise sales and broadcasting produce different revenues and obligations, so the shared ownership story is more informative than simply counting the brands.