History Of Boustead
Its core business during those pioneering days was primarily import and export, as well as shipping and insurance agents. With the increase in trade between the two territories and as the Straits of Malacca became the more preferred primary waterway between Europe and the Far East, Edward opened a branch in Penang in 1864.
At the turn of the 20th century, Boustead diversified its business interest in 1911 and began trading in rubber. Moving up the value chain, the Company expanded into the management and ownership of rubber estates while exporting sheet rubber and latex. As the new nation, Malaya grew rapidly, Boustead expanded its business interest to import and distribution of a variety of goods.
In 1961, Boustead consolidated its various businesses to form a new public listed company known as Boustead & Co. Limited. In 1966, the entity changed its name to Boustead Holdings Berhad and subsequently in 1976, the Group became a wholly-owned Malaysian entity.