METALLGESELLSCHAFT AG

major German industrial company engaged in mining, metal refining, fabrication, and trade; the design and production of industrial plants and equipment; the manufacture of chemicals; financial services and insurance; and transportation. The firm's headquarters are in Frankfurt am Main. Established in 1881 by Wilhelm Merton (18481916), the company originally confined its activities to metal trading. In 1928 it merged with Metallbank und Metallurgische Gesellschaft (established in 1910) and through this and other mergers, acquisitions, and expansions became one of the largest industrial enterprises in Germany and in Europe. The company is a major processor of zinc and copper. It operates metal and chemical subsidiaries in the U.S. and a financial subsidiary in Curaao, Netherlands Antilles, and has a minority interest in firms in Italy, Canada, Austria, France, and Switzerland. Large stakes of Metallgesellschaft are held by outside interests.