The company was formed from the fusion of two well-established building houses that had competed throughout the later decades of the nineteenth century but came together in 1883: this was implemented by Holland & Hannen acquiring Cubitts, a business founded by Thomas Cubitt some 70 years before.
The company came into being as a result of two established building companies coming together in 1883 after having competed with each other for several decades. This was achieved through the acquisition of Cubitts by Holland & Hannen, which had been founded by Thomas Cubitt approximately 70 years earlier.