CFE (Belgium)

CFE is a Belgian company with interested in real estate development, construction & renovation, engineering and investments. The company is listed on Euronext Brussels and is 62.12% owned by Ackermans & van Haaren. In 1880, Creation of the Compagnie Générale de Chemins de Fer Secondaires (CFE) dedicated to building and managing of railway and tram lines through concessions. In 1921, Diversification of activities through the involvement in civil engineering and building construction under the name of Compagnie Belge de Chemins de Fer et d'Entreprises. In 1930, Creation of the Société Générale de Dragage active in dredging works both in Belgium and abroad. In 1965, Adoption of the name Compagnie d'Entreprises (CFE), due to the large number of general contractor type activities. In 1974, CFE and Ackermans & van Haaren pool their dredging activities and create Dredging International. In 1981, Merger of CFE with Entreprises Ed. François et Fils, thereby making CFE the largest Belgian construction company. In 1989, The GTM Group, shareholder since 1987, becomes the principal shareholder in CFE In 1991, Creation of the DEME Group (Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering) result of the association between Dredging International and Baggerwerken Decloedt. Acquisition of Nizet Entreprise. In 1999, Acquisition of Vanderhoydoncks Multitechnieken. In 2000, Vinci SA and GTM merge and become the first worldwide construction group. CFE increases its participation in the DEME Group to 47.8%. In 2001, CFE introduces an organisation based on three main divisions: the Construction division, which covers all construction professions and the associated services, the Dredging and Environment division, the Electricity division. During the same year, following an agreement with BPC (Bâtiments et Ponts Construction), CFE acquires 100% of ABEB, the Antwerp subsidiary of BPC. The merger of the companies CFE, Bageci, Investissements et Promotion and Maatschappij voor Bouw- en Grondwerken (MBG) takes place in December.