The joint-stock company was founded on 20 November 1913 with a share capital of 4 million francs for a period of 50 years. The initial capital was increased to 2.5 mio francs in 1919, to 4.25 mio francs in April 1923 and to 5 mio francs in May 1929.
Messrs M. Siegfried, A. Cailler, J. Lindenmeyer, G. Bonnet, P. Bourcart, H. Gunthert, G. Roussy and M. Obellianne were appointed to the Board of Directors.