Loader Background

Our History

Who We Are

Founded in 1931 by Sir Moilin Jean Ah Chuen, the ABC Group of companies is one of the largest conglomerates in Mauritius. Ranked among the Top 100 business organisations of the Indian Ocean, the Group has built a strong reputation through decades of sustainable growth and diversification.

 

Today, the ABC Group operates across five core divisions, each contributing to the Group’s regional and international presence.

Our Core Divisions

Automobile

The Automobile Division is the most diversified arm of the ABC Group. It markets a wide range of passenger and commercial vehicles, tyres, car appearance products and related services such as service centres and fleet management solutions. The Group is also the sole distributor of internationally recognised brands including Nissan, Porsche, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

Financial Services

The Financial Services Division delivers comprehensive solutions to private and corporate clients, institutional clients, retail investors and individuals. Operating across Mauritius, Seychelles and Kenya, the division offers financing and leasing solutions, corporate services, insurance services, investment advisory, wealth management and capital markets expertise.

Foods

ABC Foods Division manufactures Chinese and Oriental foodstuffs while distributing a wide portfolio of local and international food brands. Its products, including frozen foods, are supplied to wholesalers, retail outlets, hotels and supermarkets across the region.

Shipping and Logistics

A key division since 1982, ABC Shipping and Logistics provides logistics services and a wide range of transport solutions by sea and air, connecting markets from and to all parts of the world.

ABCB Holdings & ABC Banking

ABC Banking, the banking arm of the ABC Group, brings together traditional banking values and innovative financial solutions. This strategic expansion reinforces the Group’s long term commitment to delivering trusted and forward looking banking solutions in Mauritius.

Our Journey Through Time

Explore the key milestones that have shaped the growth and evolution of the ABC Group.

1887

Chue Wei Chuen, the father of Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen, arrived in Mauritius as an immigrant. He came from Meizhou, a Hakka village in Guangdong, China. After working with other fellow countrymen, he opened a shop at The Mount Sugar Estate in Pamplemousses and raised his family through hard work and perseverance. Unfortunately, his eldest son died at the age of 25, so he took his second son, Jean Etienne Moi Lin, as his apprentice. Thus, Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen had to cease his studies at the end of primary school. He learned the hard way how to run his father’s grocery shop and, at the same time, took private tuition to study English, French and Chinese.

Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen was born

1911

1931

In 1931, at the age of 20, Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen decided to set up his own retail shop, ABC Store, at 18 Queen Street in Port Louis.

At the age of 31, Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen became the youngest President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce

1942

1948

His hard work and initiatives were recognized by the British Colonial Government who nominated him to sit as a member of the Legislative Council to represent the Chinese community. Later on, he participated in the parliamentary General Elections and got elected.

After Mauritius became independent, he was appointed Minister of Local Government in the Government of National Unity of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister of Mauritius, and served for seven years in that capacity.

1969

1972

Through his connections in Hong Kong and Taiwan, he contributed significantly in the successful establishment of the Mauritius Export Processing Zone which has been the textile pillar of the economy, creating over 60,000 jobs. Honorable Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen was a relentless promoter of Chinese tradition, culture and values. He was one of the founder-members of the World Hakka Federation in Taiwan. He also brought the Hong Kong Nam Wah football team to Mauritius on two occasions.

Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain at Buckingham Palace. It was the pinnacle of his 28 years as a representative of the people on the Mauritius Legislative Assembly.

1980

1991

Pope John Paul II conferred him with the high distinction of “Knight of St Gregory the Great” for his immense contribution to the Chinese Catholic Mission. He passed away on 23rd October 1991. His name has been given to a street situated off De Rosnay Street in the Municipality of Beau Bassin/Rose Hill where he had been a council member for many years.

Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen passed away.

1991

1998

The portrait of Sir Jean Etienne Moilin Ah-Chuen also appears on the Twenty-Five Rupees Mauritian bank note.

His heirs converted his residence in Rose Hill into a Memorial Centre and Museum as a remembrance of his love for his family and as a legacy for the future generations. He had a collection of over 3,000 photos.   On the same occasion, a book on his life, written by the historian Mrs. Lilian Berthelot, was launched. This book, originally written in French, has also been translated into English and Chinese.

2011