As a global firm, we support the employment of over 80,000 people in more than 30 countries while working to create strong, profitable businesses. As these businesses grow, we commit to best-in-class corporate social responsibility practices, mindful of the important role they play in fostering long-term value creation.
Our Competitive Advantages
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Global Presence
With more than 100 offices in over 30 countries, our global network gives us extraordinary access to proprietary deal flow.
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Large-Scale Capital
Our strong balance sheet and ready access to large-scale capital enables us to do transactions of a size that sets us apart.
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Operational ExpertiseWe started as owners and operators of real assets, and continue to use our operational expertise to enhance cash flows, increase the value of underlying assets and produce solid long-term returns.
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Contrarian InvestorsOur experience shows us that the best opportunities are often found in regions or sectors undergoing periods of financial or operational challenge.
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Capital PreservationProtecting the capital entrusted to us is at the forefront of how we think about risk, which means that we pursue a prudent and disciplined approach to investing and financing.
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Alignment of InterestsEnsuring alignment of interests with our private fund investors is a priority for us: we are often one of the largest investors in our funds.
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Beginnings in Brazil
Canadian financiers William Mackenzie and Frederick Stark Pearson establish the São Paulo Railway, Light and Power Co. after introducing the first electric streetcars to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. They used capital raised on the Toronto Stock Exchange to launch the venture, which builds and operates electricity and transport infrastructure.
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First Public Listing
Mackenzie and Pearson’s company, known as “The Light” in Brazil, is incorporated and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange as Brazilian Traction, Light and Power Co. Ltd. By the 1940s, it employs more than 50,000 people and supplies two-thirds of the country’s electric power.
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Peter Bronfman
Peter Bronfman, with proceeds from the sale of Seagram shares, begins investing in real assets. These early investments help set the stage for Brookfield’s emergence as an international investor and asset manager.
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The Formation of the Partnership
Peter Bronfman forms a partnership with his senior business colleagues, which eventually evolves into Partners Limited. The partnership continues today and still owns approximately 20% of Brookfield Asset Management.
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Re-entry into Renewables
Brascan re-enters the hydroelectric business, purchasing Great Lakes Power in Ontario, post its sale of the original hydroelectric investments in Brazil.
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Brascan
Peter Bronfman and Jack Cockwell lead the partnership to acquire control of Brascan, diversifying the business and expanding the capital base. Brascan’s name will later become Brookfield Asset Management to reflect its evolution into a global operator and investor.
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Real Estate Acquisitions in New York and Boston
Brookfield acquires a group of marquee commercial properties from the distressed real estate developer Olympia & York. The 15 million square foot portfolio includes the World Financial Center, One Liberty Plaza, and 245 Park Avenue in New York City, launching Brookfield’s major U.S. expansion phase.
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Growing Renewables Platform
Brookfield embarks upon several hydroelectric acquisitions and developments in North and South America that significantly enlarge its renewables portfolio over the next decade.
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Asset Management Business
Under Bruce Flatt and the next generation of leadership in the Partnership, Brookfield launches the first third-party fund, Brookfield Capital Partners I, allowing other private institutional investors to benefit from its experience owning and operating real assets.
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Foothold in Europe
Brookfield establishes a presence in the European commercial property market by acquiring an interest in London’s Canary Wharf development.
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Going Global
Brookfield acquires Australian property manager and construction company Multiplex, expanding its operations in Australia, the Middle East and Europe.
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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Launch
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is launched as a public company.
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Infrastructure Acquisition
Brookfield acquires an $8.4 billion portfolio of ports, utilities and railroads with the purchase of a 40% interest in Australia’s Babcock & Brown Infrastructure group. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners subsequently merged with the group to become a global operator of utilities, transport, energy and communications infrastructure assets.
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GGP Restructuring
Brookfield leads the restructuring of GGP, the second largest U.S. mall owner, and closes Brookfield Infrastructure Fund I.
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Brookfield Renewable Partners Launch
Brookfield Renewable Partners is re-launched as a listed partnership with all of Brookfield's renewable assets. It boasts one of the world’s largest pure-play renewable power platforms.
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Brookfield Property Partners Launch
Brookfield Property Partners is launched as a publicly traded global commercial property company.
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Expansion as an Asset Manager
Brookfield closes Brookfield Infrastructure Fund II and Brookfield Strategic Real Estate Partners Fund I.
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Canary Wharf Acquisition
Brookfield and Partners take full control of the Canary Wharf Group in London.
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Brookfield Business Partners LaunchBrookfield Business Partners is launched as the fourth flagship public company, providing investors the ability to invest directly in the businesses within Brookfield’s private equity group.
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$27B Raised Across FundsBrookfield raises $27B across a number of strategies, including the final close of Brookfield Infrastructure Fund III at $14B, Brookfield Strategic Real Estate Partners II at $9B, and Brookfield Capital Partners IV at $4B.
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TerraForm AcquisitionBrookfield and partners acquire TerraForm Power and TerraForm Global, expanding its renewables presence into solar and distributed generation, and establishing footholds in India and China.