Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) is a Belgian holding company invested in multiple industries.[2] It invests in both listed and private companies. Directed by Ian Gallienne, GBL had a net asset value of €22.5 billion and a market capitalisation of €15.3 billion at the end of September 2021.
GBL is controlled by Pargesa S.A., a Swiss entity which holds 29.13% of the outstanding shares and 44.23% of the voting rights. Pargesa S.A. itself is held jointly by the Power Corporation of Canada and Frère groups, providing GBL with a stable and solid shareholder base. Since 1990, the two groups have been bound by a shareholders' agreement. This agreement, which was extended in December 2012 until 2029, includes an extension possibility.[3]
History
The company now known as GBL was founded in 1972, when Léon Lambert's two holding companies, Compagnie Lambert pour l'Industrie et la Finance (CLIF) and Cofinter, merged with Brufina and Cofinindus, two holding entities associated with the so-called Groupe de Launoit founded by Paul de Launoit.[4]