CDL through the years: A family business from the beginning

1972: Mr Kwek Leng Beng's family business, Hong Leong, acquires a controlling stake in City Developments Limited (CDL), transforming the loss-making company into a profitable one by diversifying into investment properties.

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This began with the purchase of Guan Realty, which developed City Plaza, CDL's first mixed-use development.

1974: The late Mr Kwek Hong Png becomes chairman of CDL and Mr Kwek Leng Beng is appointed managing director.

1980s: Mr Kwek Hong Png's younger son, the late Mr Kwek Leng Joo, joins CDL. Throughout the 80s, CDL launched 21 residential projects and completed 12 investment properties.

In 1987, a prime site in Raffles Place was purchased which became Republic Plaza, CDL's flagship and current headquarters. By the late 80s, CDL was the largest listed property developer in Singapore.

1992: CDL starts acquiring hotels in New Zealand.

1996: Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) is listed on the London Stock Exchange, a first for a Singapore-controlled company.

Early 2000s: Despite the outbreak of Sars in Asia, CDL completes over 50 residential projects, including The Sail @ Marina Bay.

2006: M&C announces the initial public offering of CDL Hospitality Trusts, the first hotel real estate investment trust in Singapore. M&C also opens the five-star Millennium Hongqiao Hotel in Shanghai (now Grand Millennium Shanghai Hongqiao), its first hotel in China.

There is also the opening of Singapore's first branded residences, St Regis Residences.

2009: Opening of City Square Mall, Singapore's first eco-mall.