About Us
Our history
The company was founded several decades ago in a small town outside of Osaka, Japan. Initially called Hoko Trading Company (HTC), the “Hoko” name was later changed to Bicontinental Trading Company (BTC) in 1989 to reflect the business activities between Asia and Africa. The company was restructured under new ownership in the United States acquired some companies in the emerging markets which reflect the major areas of businesses the company is involved. Although the group through subsidiaries and affiliates is involved in Aviation and Power industries, Oil and Gas remains the group’s core business comprising over 70% of the group’s business and revenue. Diversification helps stabilize revenues between major projects, It also frequently enhances long term value. Today, Bicontinental Group continues to expand into countries where new initiatives are creating opportunities.
Milestones
1980
Originally founded in Osaka, Japan as an import & Export company.
1989
The company was acquired by its US partner, re-named Bicontinental trading company. The company continued trading in commodities with Asia.
1991
The company established presence in South America with acquisition of a minority stake in a small oilfield service company in Venezuela
1992
Established presence in Africa with the formation of Bicontinental Nigeria Ltd. (BNL)
1995
We established a joint Venture partnership with a local South African company Underwater Marine services provide diving and marine services. The JV was called UB marine
2000
The entire group was restructured, established new subsidiaries and partnerships including exploration and production (PDI), Aviation (Quest) Drilling (Cherokee) new management team was put in place to grow the company.
2002
The Company ventured into the Aviation business with acquisition of interest in Quest Aviation.
2003
Bicontinental Nigeria Ltd was awarded interest in OPL 252 as a local content vehicle (LCV)
2005
We formally established South Africa subsidiary, Bicontinental (Pty) SA in partnership with Southern Africa Shipyards as majority partner.
2007
The company made a decision to focus on emerging energy nations with support from Houston and Aberdeen.
2010
Bicontinental entered an agreement to acquire a 10 hectare land in Nigeria for oil and gas construction and fabrication to provide support to the offshore oil and gas industry.
2012
Discussions concluded to acquire water front facility previously owned by an oil company.
2013
Bicontinental is uniquely positioned across all oil producing nations in Africa, making it the oil and gas services partner of choice in Africa.
2018
Bicontinental established a subsidiary in Guyana, Bicontinental Guyana Inc, (BGI)
Where we operate
- Bahamas
- United States
- Nigeria
- Angola
- South Africa
- Singapore
- Germany
- Guyana — Our subsidiary in Guyana.
- London — Our experienced traders in Houston, London and Singapore.
- Italy — Our subsidiary Bicontinental Srl Europe.
- Aberdeen — Representative offices in Aberdeen.
- Cape Town — Our presence in Durban and Cape Town with Southern Africa Shipyards (SAS).
- Venezuela — Our drilling services affiliate, Cherokee well services.
Management
We have strengthened our management with experienced in-country managers with very good knowledge of the industry and country. These are former oil company managers that have handled major projects and do not wish to return to their home countries. we have retained these managers because we value their experience and knowledge of the industry. Our management have built reputation for completing logistically complex and difficult projects. Secondly, our multinational work force is highly experienced and thrives on challenges. Our employees are empowered to solve problems, assess risks, and if need be, move quickly to minimize costs to our clients.