Corporate information

Significant milestones

1980s-1990s

In the mid-1980s, "la Caixa" was seeking new opportunities to make the most of its resources and to diversify its source of revenue. The company implemented this strategy against a backdrop of rationalisation and resizing of the financial sector, progressive internationalisation of the economy and falling interest rates.

Both with this aim and a wish to be involved in the development of companies that provide basic services to society, "la Caixa" embarked on its plan to invest in large service companies and infrastructures that were leaders in their sectors, thus becoming an important shareholder in Repsol, Gas Natural, Aigües de Barcelona, Telefónica, Abertis, and other companies.

In order to meet the demands of families, companies and institutions for finance and service, "la Caixa" complemented its business with a specialised service focused on credit establishments, insurance companies and investment fund management companies.

2000

In July 2000, "la Caixa" transferred virtually all its company holdings to Criteria CaixaCorp (previously called CaixaHolding, S.A.U.), which provides the perfect formula for managing its already impressive portfolio of subsidiaries and holdings by following its own unique strategy.

2006

In November 2006, the Board of Directors of "la Caixa" looked into the possibility of floating its portfolio of holdings through the company Criteria CaixaCorp, in which "la Caixa" would maintain a controlling share. This operation was intended to obtain market backing for the management of the portfolio and to make the company an ideal platform for the international expansion of the business.

2007

On 7 June 2007, the Ordinary General Assembly of "la Caixa" formally approved the Criteria CaixaCorp IPO. In September, the Spanish securities and exchange commission (CNMV) approved the corresponding prospectus, and 10 October of the same year signaled the start of trading in Criteria CaixaCorp shares.

2008

Over the course of 2008, Criteria CaixaCorp steadily increased its market value, enabling its securities to join the ranks of blue chip stock indices both in Spain (IBEX-35) and Europe (FTSEurofirst 300, MSCI Europe, MSCI Pan Euro and DJ Stoxx 300). As a clear illustration of the company's commitment to sustainability and corporate reputation, it was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) in September of 2008.

In carrying out its international expansion strategy, the company has increased its shareholdings in banks in Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and America. It also holds significant stakes in the governing bodies of its investees.