by ERIC SMITH

THE ANSA McAL GROUP which has launched a hostile takeover bid for Barbados Shipping & Trading (BS&T) is clearly looking to build on its already well established foothold in Barbados.

The Trinidadian conglomerate which is going after this island's biggest private-sector operation has also established a reputation in this market for its aggressive business approach.

Three years ago Ansa McAl went after and successfully acquired A. S. Brydens, even though David Inglefield, the new chief executive officer of Ansa McAl's local operations, noted that some of the acquired companies have maintained their identity and management structure.

He referred specifically to A&R Tempro, Brydens Insurance and Brydens Distribution.

The Ansa McAl group is known to be aggressive and places a premium of shareholder value, with high targets set on an annual basis. On this occasion the bulls-eye could be the local beer market, the distribution sector and a stake in a wide range of Barbadian companies.

In Barbados it is involved in :

 AutomativeMcEnearney Motors

McEnearney Quality Inc.

 Financial Services

Consolidated Finance Limited

Brydens Insurance Inc

 Distribution

A&R Tempro (1986) Limited

Brydens Distribution

Stokes & Bynoe Limited

Services

Brydens Business Solutions Inc.

Brydens Xpress Inc.

Brydens Retail Inc.

The group once owned the Advocate Publishing Company in Barbados, and while it has got rid of that media business, it is still very big in the media in Trinidad and Tobago.

A rundown of some of its operations in the twin island republic showed it being involved in diversified fields.

Brewing

Carib Brewery

 Manufacturing

Alstons Building Enterprises

Bestcrete

Carib Glassworks

Penta Paints

Distribution

Alstons Marketing Company Limited (AMCO)

Automotive

Classic Motors

Carmax

Diamond Motors

Financial Services

ANSA Merchant Bank

TATIL Life Assurance

 Media

Trinidad Publishing Company (Guardian Newspapers)

Cable News
Channel 3

Trinidad Broadcasting

 Services

Alstons Shipping Limited

Alstons Travel

 Real Estate

Grand Bazaar Ltd

Promenade Development Ltd

Trinidad Lands Ltd

Given this snapshot of what Ansa McAl brings to the table, Barbadians should get a clearer understanding of the size of the company and the diversity of its operations.

The challenge for Ansa McAl in its bid for BS&T might not be the myriad small shareholders, but rather the big
players: Neal & Massy, Fortress Mutual Funds, and Sagicor.

It is unlikely that Neal & Massy, another Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate which has already indicated its desire to merge with BS&T, will sell its 23 per cent stake to its rival.

Fortress and Sagicor's position are not quite as clear even though they may not be easily swayed to sell, but maintain an investment stake and enjoy the benefits of being a shareholder in a revamped organised of which BS&T will be a part.

The small shareholders will depend on the directors for some guidance.