Owns and runs the Big Challenge English language competition in France, Germany, Austria and Spain. With over 600,000 participants, The Big Challenge is the leading motivational competition in Europe for students between 11 and 14 learning English with a mass participation in both state and private schools. Referencia came in as a shareholder in January 2012 to work with management to expand the competition internationally, in content and also expand its internet presence.

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Licence holder for Reebok in Italy. Referencia initiated a turnaround that transformed Reebok Italy from a loss-making to a profitable business in less than a year, by cutting costs and by refocusing the sales effort and distribution upmarket. Reebok Italy was sold as part of the Reebok group when the latter was acquired by Adidas in 2006.

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Manufacturer of flip flops and beach footwear under the Dupé brand. Referencia stepped as chairman of the company and brought in a new design team to relaunch Dupé by focusing on natural rubber and a new look and concept which helped to drive local and export growth. Dupé was acquired by competitor and market leader Havaianas in 2007 who have maintained it as a separate brand.

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Designer and retailer of home and body perfumes, creams and soaps. Tania Bulhões Perfumes was set up to take advantage of name and success of one of Sao Paolo's leading furniture and home decoration brands, setting up one flagship store and 8 mall stores in Brazil and launching a range of Brazil inspired perfumes, luxury soaps and creams. Referencia's stake was sold to private investors in 2011.

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Developer of Outdry, a breathable and waterproof membrane for apparel and footwear. Referencia stepped in as Chairman to help develop Nextec's marketing strategy and expand the client base upmarket and geographically. A new campaign was launched centred around the famous mountaineer Ueli Steck and new clients signed on in Europe and North America. Nextec was sold to Columbia Sportswear in 2011 who have kept the Outdry brand separate and the Nextec operations are still managed by the two brothers who developed the technology.

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Licence holder for Reebok in Mexico. Referencia International grew sales of Reebok Mexico from US 6 m to US$ 53 m by growing sales of apparel and accessories and moving the brand upmarket. A network of flagship stores, shop in shop corners and outlet stores was also set up, accounting for nearly 40% of sales by the time the company was sold back to Reebok International in 2004.

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