Andrew Tan
Encyclopedia
Andrew L. Tan is a billionaire businessman from the Philippines who engages in real estate
, liquor and fast food
. In 2010, Forbes Magazine rated him fifth on its "Philippines 40 richest" list, estimating his net worth at $1.2 billion.
Originally a simple immigrant from China
, Tan was born in the Fujian
province. He spent his childhood at an apartment in Hong Kong
which was shared by other families and had short supply. Later, he moved to Manila
where he studied accounting at University of the East
. For economic reasons, he would head to school walking rather than riding on public transportation. He then graduated. During his early years in business, the government of Quezon City
honored him "Businessman of the Year" for 2004.
Tan runs the Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI). Originally, this was owned by George Yang who later handed it to him. It is composed of three companies;
Megaworld Corporation - A real estate corporation engaged in developing condominiums. It was dubbed by Finance Asia, a business tabloid, as the "best managed company" and the "best in corporate governance" in the Philippines for 2006.
Emperador Distillers Incorporation - Best known for its Emperador Brandy which became the world's best-selling brandy
in 2006. What made it successful was how it was promoted. Instead of following other liquor advertisements that feature attractive women and other dainty images, the ads of Emperador Brandy emphasize successes in life and other moral values.
Golden Arches Development Corporation - Possesses a franchise of McDonald's
.
to file a suit (any name with a trump is probably a trademark). But Tan convinced them that he actually adapted the idea from a property in Singapore which had a similar name but had no connection to the American mogul.
In this, the condominium was renamed "One Central." Ironically, Tan thanked Trump's lawyers for "showing interest in his project."
Real estate
In general use, esp. North American, 'real estate' is taken to mean "Property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this; an item of real property; buildings or...
, liquor and fast food
Fast food
Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a...
. In 2010, Forbes Magazine rated him fifth on its "Philippines 40 richest" list, estimating his net worth at $1.2 billion.
Originally a simple immigrant from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Tan was born in the Fujian
Fujian
' , formerly romanised as Fukien or Huguing or Foukien, is a province on the southeast coast of mainland China. Fujian is bordered by Zhejiang to the north, Jiangxi to the west, and Guangdong to the south. Taiwan lies to the east, across the Taiwan Strait...
province. He spent his childhood at an apartment in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
which was shared by other families and had short supply. Later, he moved to Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
where he studied accounting at University of the East
University of the East
The University of the East is a private nonsectarian university located in University Belt Area, district of Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. The university was founded in 1946 as a coeducational institution...
. For economic reasons, he would head to school walking rather than riding on public transportation. He then graduated. During his early years in business, the government of Quezon City
Quezon City
Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
honored him "Businessman of the Year" for 2004.
Companies
Megaworld Corporation - A real estate corporation engaged in developing condominiums. It was dubbed by Finance Asia, a business tabloid, as the "best managed company" and the "best in corporate governance" in the Philippines for 2006.
Emperador Distillers Incorporation - Best known for its Emperador Brandy which became the world's best-selling brandy
Brandy
Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...
in 2006. What made it successful was how it was promoted. Instead of following other liquor advertisements that feature attractive women and other dainty images, the ads of Emperador Brandy emphasize successes in life and other moral values.
Golden Arches Development Corporation - Possesses a franchise of McDonald's
McDonald's
McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...
.
Slight trouble with Donald Trump
One time, Andrew Tan established an expensive condominium in Makati which was originally called "The Trumps." This prompted real estate developer Donald TrumpDonald Trump
Donald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
to file a suit (any name with a trump is probably a trademark). But Tan convinced them that he actually adapted the idea from a property in Singapore which had a similar name but had no connection to the American mogul.
In this, the condominium was renamed "One Central." Ironically, Tan thanked Trump's lawyers for "showing interest in his project."