Claude Berda, founder of Vanguard Properties and a key figure in the redevelopment of the Herdade da Comporta, passed away on 19 December at the age of 78, as reported by Visão magazine.
A French national who obtained Portuguese citizenship in 2021, Berda invested more than €1.3 billion in Portugal, focusing particularly on high-end real estate developments in Lisbon and the Alentejo coast.
In 2019, Berda partnered with businesswoman Paula Amorim to acquire the main tourism assets of the Herdade da Comporta from Gesfimo for €157.5 million, marking the end of the Espírito Santo family’s long-standing influence over the area. This acquisition laid the foundations for new residential and tourism projects, including Vanguard’s Terras da Comporta and Amorim’s JNcQUOI Comporta.
Tensions between the two investors surfaced in 2020, concerning the management of shared areas within the Carvalhal Tourism Development Zone. At the time, a source from Amorim Luxury clarified that “the legal action concerns only the administration of the common areas of the NDTC development and does not affect individual projects”.
By 2022, Vanguard Properties and Amorim Luxury had formally separated their joint ventures, pursuing independent development strategies.
Despite this, in 2025, both companies filed a joint legal action against the Casas da Encosta condominium, which had unlawfully blocked a public access road. The Court of Setúbal ruled in favour of the companies and ordered the road to be reopened.
Berda began investing in Portugal in 2016, in partnership with José Cardoso Botelho, who remains the CEO of Vanguard. His affection for the country was well known, and upon receiving citizenship, he stated: “Becoming Portuguese has been a lifelong dream. It brings me great joy to see it fulfilled.”
Following his passing, his son Alexandre Berda takes over leadership of Vanguard Properties. In a statement, the company said: “Claude Berda leaves behind a legacy of integrity, commitment and responsibility towards the future, which we are committed to preserving.”
