Charter International's origins can be traced back to the
British South Africa Company, which was founded in 1889 by
Royal Charter. During 1965, on the initiative of
Anglo American Corporation, the company merged with
The Central Mining & Investment Corporation and
The Consolidated Mines Selection Company; the combined company was called
Charter Consolidated. During 1993, the company's name changed to
Charter plc. three years later, the company also acquired
Howden. During early 1999, the company announced that it was seeking to spin out its subsidiary
Pandrol Rail Fastenings. Four years later, Pandrol was acquired by of France. In 2008, the business was restructured with the creation of a new
Irish resident holding company,
Charter International plc. During January 2012, the company was acquired by the American technology business
Colfax Corporation. ==Operations==