Many of these enterprises became household names and stalwarts of Singapore industry.
A large number became public companies, tapping the capital markets for growth.
In 1883, Scotsmen John Fraser and David Neave set up a soft drinks production company called the Singapore and Straits Aerated Water Co.
In 1898, it became a public company known as Fraser and Neave.
Together with Dutch company Heineken in 1931, it formed a beer joint venture that became Asia Pacific Breweries.
In 1990, F&N ventured into the property business through Centrepoint Properties.
In 2013, the property, publishing and drinks group was acquired by Thai tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi.
F&N is now 59.25%-owned by TCC Assets and 28.48%-owned by Thai Beverage, which is listed on the Singapore Exchange.
In our story “Corporate Singapore: Building on the past, banking on the future” this week, we provide a historical snapshot of the 30 component stocks on the Straits Times Index and their 10-year performance.
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