The Valladares family is one of the wealthiest and most influential business dynasties in San Luis Potosí, considered by many to be the richest and most powerful in the state. This article explores their history, the origins of their fortune, and their current businesses.
Their origins date back to the late 19th century, when the patriarch, Miguel Valladares, from a Spanish family settled in Mexico, served as mayor of the state capital, San Luis Potosí, during the 1970s and 1980s.
Upon his death, his legacy was taken up by his sons: Juan Carlos, Miguel, and Pablo Valladares. Juan Carlos assumed leadership of the family steel company, Aceros San Luis, while the other two pursued careers in politics and media.
The Valladares family’s greatest economic growth came with the consolidation and subsequent sale of Aceros San Luis, a transaction estimated to have exceeded $800 million. With that capital base, the family expanded its influence into the media sector through the Mival publishing group, which operates several local newspapers such as Pulso, San Luis Hoy, and Huasteca Hoy.
In addition, Miguel Valladares ventured into the international market by acquiring a majority stake in the Spanish animation company Zinkia, creator of the children’s character Pocoyo.
Their influence is not limited to the business sphere: the Valladares family has played an active role in the political life of San Luis Potosí. Miguel registered as a pre-candidate for governor with the PRI in 2002, although he ultimately withdrew his candidacy. Pablo, for his part, founded the civil association Vía Alterna to promote political aspirations within the same party. Some of their media outlets have also been criticized for editorially supporting these political careers.
The new generation has also entered politics. Juan Carlos Valladares Eichelmann, son of the current head of the clan, has held positions within the PRI and was recently elected as a federal deputy for the Green Party. Furthermore, he has been in the media spotlight due to his marriage to former Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete, an event attended by high-ranking political figures.
Today, the Valladares name is synonymous with power in San Luis Potosí. Beyond his fortune, his legacy extends to various sectors of public life: from sports leagues bearing his name to media control and influence in political decision-making. His story reflects how economic and political power can become intertwined across generations within the same family.
Source: ambito
