History – Andge

ABOUT US

Andge is a family-run business where, over generations, each member of the Andreu family, from founder Joan Andreu Frigola to current CEO Jan Andreu, has left his mark, bringing experience and professionalism to build the business group we know today.

COMPANY HISTORY

1931
1940
1945
1968
1970
1971
1980
1992
1996-2000
2000-2002
2003
2004-2005
2006-2007
2008
2009
2014
2015
2019
2020
2021

1931

Joan Andreu Frigola and his wife embark on their journey into the world of business by running a bakery and bar in the centre of Girona. In this decade Joan Andreu Frigola begins working in the Citroën dealership of Adolfo Puig, taking it over in 1934.
1940

A Firestone Tyre automotive operation is opened.
1945

Birth of Joan Andreu Pont.
1968

Having studied Chemical Engineering at ESADE, Joan Andreu Pont begins working in the family business. He focuses on expanding the dealership, consolidating the company and getting its financial affairs in order.
1970

Joan Andreu Pont marries Xita Masramón. In terms of business, the focus moves towards product and brand diversification.
1971

Birth of Jan Andreu Masramon.
1980

Náutica Palamós is created in association with the Alzina family following the purchase of the Colomer family share.
1992

A holding company is established encompassing all the business interests of the Andreu Group (Chrysler, Toyota, Citroën, Jeep, Lancia and Alfa Romeo). Nautica Palamós moves to its current premises.
1996-2000

Still with Arthur Andersen, Jan Andreu moves to New York.
In 1998, he begins working for Grey Advertising at their headquarters in New York.
2000-2002

Following an internal family selection process with external company advice, Jan Andreu is asked to join the family group.
José Manuel Zugaza from Unilco and Joan Roure from Isese join the Board of Directors.
Jan Andreu is appointed as manager of Garatge Andreu. The stock investment company, Profitalia, is created as a risk diversification instrument.
2003

The Mont-Ras office is opened. The brokerage and business administration agency, AGA, is created.
2004-2005

The Board decides to diversify into other business areas. The first Whotells building is purchased and the holiday apartment brand concept is developed. A formal agreement is reached with the multinational company, Muji.
A ten-year licencing contract is signed with Muji. The second Whotells building is purchased. A successful real estate operation results in the purchase of the current Andreu Group offices.
2006-2007

Spain’s first Muji store is opened. The third Whotells building is purchased. The Andreu Group has a landmark year with the sale of a record 6,000 cars.
The second Muji store opens in Barcelona. An agreement is reached for Muji to be launched in Portugal.
2008

The Andreu Group expands to the Toyota brand, with 40 employees and three branches in the province of Girona. The first Muji store opens in Madrid.
2009

The grupandreu.cat brand is launched. Record profits for Whotells as a result of increased tourism and with the three sites now completed. Another Muji store opens in Madrid and the brand launches in Lisbon.
2014

The Animals Observatory is launched with a view to creating a truly global children’s fashion brand. Expansion of the Náutica Palamós facilities.
2015

The automotive industry begins to recover in the wake of the crisis. A deal is struck for the sale of Muji and Whotells. The Animal Observatory is launched in 25 countries. Náutica Palamós opens new premises.
2019

The Animals Observatory opens an official branch of the brand in South Korea. The Náutica Palamós expands its facilities.
2020

Opel brand is incorporated into the Andreu Automoción Group. With the acquisition of the German brand, the group becomes a distributor of 5 of the 7 brands that own the Stellantis group (Citroën, Opel, DS, Jeep and Alfa Romeo).
2021

Se funda Funicular Films en la primavera de 2021. Los socios fundadores son Aina Clotet, Jan Andreu, Marc Clotet y Marta Baldó aportando una larga experiencia profesional en el ámbito cinematográfico y empresarial