Belgrano, a pioneer of rarity since 1872
In 1872, the maiden voyage of the steamship Belgrano, the first vessel of the Compagnie des Chargeurs Réunis, opened a sea route linking the continents and laid the foundations of an international entrepreneurial saga. True to this pioneering spirit, Belgrano today develops world-leading businesses in culture and education, fashion, luxury, sciences and bespoke investment.
A family-owned company driven by more than 1,800 talented people working in 100 countries, Belgrano successfully grows iconic brands such as Museum Studio, Swaine, Skira, Chaplin’s World, Nativa, Harwanne and Chargeurs PCC.
Architect of Rarity
Embodying the demands of a luxury sector being redefined, Belgrano has completed the transformation of its businesses, moving from a volume-driven culture to a model centred on the economy of rarity.
Convinced that ultimate value lies in emotion, bespoke craftsmanship, transmission and creations designed to stand the test of time, the Company chooses to invest, with patience and high standards, in sectors where the hand, the gesture and the human spirit remain sovereign. Belgrano thus builds iconic brands, rooted in an irreplaceable and living heritage, creating the heritage of tomorrow.
A hybrid operator-investor model
Today, Belgrano supports the development of a portfolio of global brands, operating through nearly 70 manufacturing sites and sales offices.
Beyond its role as operator and developer, Belgrano also asserts its role as an investor, with a culture of active management of its portfolio of businesses.
This dual operator-investor model enables Belgrano to work alongside its businesses to support their development and devise new business models, in order to grow and optimise the value and impact of its asset portfolio, with a long-term perspective.
A portfolio of assets structured around 4 platforms
A presence across the 5 continents
Throughout its 150-year history, Belgrano has made internationalisation its true signature. Today, its portfolio of iconic brands reaches nearly 100 countries.
The stability of long-term family and institutional shareholders
In 2015, Michaël Fribourg became the new reference shareholder and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Belgrano (then named Chargeurs). Under his leadership, Belgrano has undergone a profound transformation, with strong growth in its existing businesses and brands and the creation of new businesses that are world champions in their markets.
In 2024, following the success of the tender offer, the Fribourg Family Group and its institutional partners control more than 67% of Belgrano’s share capital.
Today, Belgrano benefits from first-rate family and institutional controlling shareholders, fully aligned with its ambitions and long-term vision.
This new capital structure gives Belgrano the stability and strength it needs to deploy its strategy of sustainable value creation.
