"We can take comfort in knowing that he has rested without suffering, but his absence leaves a great void in our hearts," his children said in a statement.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Horst Paulmann Kemna, founder of Cencosud, a Chilean consortium that manages the Easy and Paris stores; Jumbo and Santa Isabel supermarkets; and the Costanera Center shopping mall, among other businesses, passed away at the age of 89.

His family reported that his death occurred in Germany and that “fortunately, his farewell was calm, peaceful, while he was sleeping.”

"We can take comfort in knowing that he has rested without suffering, but his absence leaves a great void in our hearts," his children said in a statement.

MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

The businessman has been in business for more than 60 years after starting a small business in the city of Temuco.

He stood out for building one of the largest and most relevant retail companies in the sector both in Chile and on the continent.

In a statement, Cencosud expressed “deep regret” at the departure of its founder.

The company highlighted that Horst Paulmann's vision and leadership "leaves an indelible mark on the country and on thousands of employees, highlighting his passion and dedication to delivering excellent and quality service to customers and generating jobs, transforming the supermarket, shopping center and retail industry in Latin America."