SHV is a privately-held family company. SHV originated in 1896 in the Netherlands from a merger between a number of large coal trading companies. After the decline of coal as the primary source of energy, halfway through the twentieth century, SHV decided to diversify and move into other business areas. 

SHV's activities now involve: 

• trade in and distribution of LPG (SHV Energy)
• cash and carry wholesale (Makro) 
• heavy lifting and transport solutions (Mammoet) 
• animal nutrition and fish feed (Nutreco) 
• exploration and production of oil and gas (ONE-Dyas) 
• provision of private equity (NPM) 
• testing, inspections, certification (Kiwa) 

SHV is present in 70 countries on all continents and employees approximately 64 860people. The whole Family of Companies consists of 7 Groups.