TOTAL COMPAGNIE FRANAISE DES PTROLES

(TOTAL CFP) formerly Compagnie Franaise des Ptroles (French: French Petroleum Company) one of the world's major petrochemical companies. It was formed in Paris on March 28, 1924, on the initiative of the French government but administered wholly by private interests. TOTAL CFP is now a holding company owned 35 percent by the French government and 65 percent by other investors, the chief known shareholders being Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Caisse des Dpts et Consignations, and Paribas. It commands a group of some 190 subsidiary companies worldwide. The group's major products since 1954 have been traded under the name of the TOTAL Group (Groupe TOTAL). Headquarters are in Paris. TOTAL CFP is one of the world's major oil companies and is one of the most prestigious French industrial concerns. It heads an internationally integrated group, primarily engaged in exploration, production, shipping, refining, distribution, and marketing of oil and gas. TOTAL CFP also does business in chemicals, uranium ore, coal mining, solar energy, and gold and other precious metals. The company explores for and produces oil and gas in some 30 countries or regions, chiefly in the North Sea (both British and Norwegian sectors), The Netherlands, Algeria, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Indonesia, and Australia.