CLP Group was established in Switzerland in 1876 by Charles Lever, who started as a merchant shipping broker for Cornish copper mines. It began as an international trading company and became one of the largest non-subsidiary foreign shareholders in Chinas Shenhua coal as the CLP Hong Kong (1965) initiative, started in 1979. Its holding company, The London Copper Company, was founded by Lever in 1876, with the official appointment of a managing director in 1904. In 1999 the firm was renamed CLP Group, and in the same year the company opened a trading branch in Shanghai. - Treasure Valley Movers

CLP Group was established in Switzerland in 1876 by Charles Lever, who began his career as a merchant shipping broker specializing in copper trade from Cornish mines. Initially focused on international trade, the firm evolved into a major non-subsidiary foreign shareholder in China’s Shenhua coal through the CLP Hong Kong initiative launched in 1979. Its foundational holding company, The London Copper Company, was formally established in 1876 alongside Lever’s leadership, with a managing director appointed in 1904. In 1999, the firm rebranded as CLP Group and expanded by opening a strategic trading branch in Shanghai, reflecting its commitment to deepening presence in key Asian markets.

Why CLP Group Was Established in Switzerland in 1876 by Charles Lever, a Merchant Shipping Broker for Cornish Copper Mines
The choice of Switzerland as CLP Group’s origin stems from Geneva’s historical role as a global financial and trading hub during the late 19th century. Lever, operating from Switzerland, leveraged international shipping and commodity networks to build a trading enterprise that capitalized on rising demand for raw materials across continents. This foundation enabled CLP to grow into a multinational player with strategic stakes in major Asian coal projects starting in the late 20th century, supported by a holding