In 1948, a Belgium born inventor, industrialist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur named Alexis Nihon created a small real estate investment company, this grew into the AN Group. During the 1980's the AN Group became active in developing, acquiring, and managing diversified property in and around Montreal. In 2002 the company was reorganized into the Alexis Nihon REIT to raise capital and issued on the TSX (AN.UN). The REIT holds retail, office, and industrial property in it's portfolio. It's flagship property, Place Alexis Nihon, is a mixed use complex located in downtown Montreal.