Total, a pioneering spirit

Created in 1924 to enable France to play a key role in the great
oil and gas adventure, Total Group has always been driven by
an authentic pioneering spirit It has discovered some of the
most productive fields in the world. Its refineries have created
increasingly sophisticated products and its extensive distribution
network has rolled out an ever-expanding range of services
As for the Group's culture, it has been forged on the ground
underpinned by an unwavering commitment to safety and perfor
mance. Throughout its long history, Total was to frequently cross
paths with two other oil companies, one French Elf Aquitaine
and the other Belgian-Petrofina. Sometimes competitors, some
times partners, they gradually learned to work together Their
talent lay in being able to combine their strengths against their
competitors. Such was the major challenge behind the mergers
of 1999 They gave rise to the fourth oil major, a group built on a
wealth of expertise and experience