Baha Bassatne – an inspiration in every way

Baha Bassatne exudes the same enthusiasm and energy that has propelled his family business, BBEnergy, into one of the world’s leading independent energy trading companies. During the past 50 years, while at the helm, he has faced success and challenge with the same rigour. His love of the business and the people around him have fuelled this small family enterprise into the global organization it is today. One of the keys to his success has undoubtedly been the life long relationships he has cultivated over the years, internally within BBEnergy, and beyond.

From humble beginnings in 1937, Baha’s father, Mohamed Bassatne, established a commodities business, trading in items such as grain, sugar and wheat. It was in 1963 that the company started to grow at a fast pace with Baha, and his younger brother, Walid’s, entrepreneurial leadership, spotting real opportunity in global energy trading.

In 1972, just five years into starting the new business, BBEnergy achieved its first USD one million turnover and a short year later, this would grow ten fold. In 1974 it acquired a terminal and distribution company – the Mediterranean Petroleum Company (MPC) – which is the second oldest oil company in Lebanon.

In 1980, the company achieved another milestone with the opening of its Singapore office and was one of the first trading companies to have premises in the city. With the area now an international oil hub, this business intuition ensured BBEnergy was well ahead of the curve.

From small beginnings, BBEnergy has competed with large multi-national oil companies and gained a competitive market share. Against all odds, Baha and Walid persevered with a sound business plan, expanding into new markets and services.

Throughout his time at the company, Baha has placed a strong importance on ensuring BBEnergy and its employees give back to the communities in which it operates. In 2005, Baha founded the Bassatne Foundation for Health and Cultural Assistance. Based in Lebanon, this non-profit organization contributes to civil society’s development by assisting children, the elderly, refugees, orphans and the disabled by providing them with continuous education, health care and all the necessary social services. In addition, the company has donated over the years to other charities, arts and culture, medicine and more including, PACES of Lebanon; Tate Museum; British Museum and the Singapore Management University to name a few.