The story of John Holt began in 1862 when Mr. John Holt, just 21years old with 27 Pounds Sterling in his pocket, sailed from Liverpool to West Africa. In 1897, John Holt established his first Venture in Lagos. Up to the Second World War, John Holt was involved mainly in the distribution and export of produce, with a fleet of ships which operated a fortnightly service from Liverpool to West Africa. Also in 1897, John Holt & Company (Liverpool) Limited was incorporated in the United Kingdom. It was incorporated in Nigeria as John Holt Limited in 1961 and became a public company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in May, 1974. John Holt has been an important participant in many areas of the Nigerian economy. The Group’s enduring relationship with its parent company has enabled it to attract strong franchises and international brands.