United Group at 100

Reaching 100 years in business is a significant achievement. For United Group, however, the centenary is not only an occasion to reflect on its history, but also an opportunity to consider how successive generations have shaped the diversified organisation it is today.

Since its establishment in 1926, United Group has developed alongside Malta’s economic transformation. What began as a transport business founded by Carmelo Gatt Baldacchino now encompasses automotive, vehicle rental and leasing, tourism, fuel stations, commercial and residential property, property development and investment, both in Malta and internationally.

The business was founded at a time when motorised transport was beginning to change how people travelled around the island. Recognising the potential of this development, Carmelo Gatt Baldacchino introduced one of Malta’s earliest motor-driven buses, establishing the foundations of a family enterprise built on service, reliability and entrepreneurship.

A family business across generations

Those foundations were strengthened by each generation that followed. For the Gatt Baldacchino family, preserving a legacy has never meant leaving the business unchanged. Successive generations have built on the experience of their predecessors while remaining prepared to pursue new sectors, partnerships and markets. This balance between continuity and progress has informed many of the Group’s most important decisions.

Growing with Malta

As Malta developed into an international tourism destination, United Group expanded its activities in support of the growing sector. It established relationships with leading international tour operators and strengthened its presence in mobility through vehicle rental and leasing.

Among the Group’s longest-standing international relationships is its partnership with Hertz. The collaboration introduced a globally recognised mobility brand to Malta and has continued to serve tourists, residents and businesses over several decades. Its longevity reflects the value United Group places on consistency, shared standards and long-term commitment.

Executive directors Edmund and Simon Gatt Baldacchino.

As Malta’s economy continued to diversify, the Group expanded further into automotive activities. Its involvement in Motors Inc. represented an important step in strengthening its presence in the sector and building relationships with international brands and partners. It also reflects an ongoing commitment to an industry being reshaped by new technologies, changing customer expectations and developments in mobility.

Property has become another central area of activity. United Group’s leadership role in Pendergardens remains one of the clearest examples of its capacity to undertake ambitious, large-scale developments with a long-term vision. The project demonstrated confidence in Malta’s future and contributed to the continued development of the country’s residential and commercial landscape.

Building on this experience, the Group continues to pursue opportunities across property development, investment and asset management. Its expansion into Austria marked a further stage in this strategy, broadening its international presence and introducing greater geographic diversification to its portfolio.

Investment in Vienna reflects a selective approach to international growth. Opportunities are evaluated according to their long-term potential, strategic relevance and ability to complement the Group’s established expertise. The Austrian portfolio therefore represents more than geographic expansion; it signals United Group’s intention to apply the experience gained in Malta to carefully selected international markets.

Across mobility, automotive, tourism and property, the Group’s development has been guided by a willingness to invest in sectors where it can contribute expertise and create lasting value. Its progress has also depended on enduring relationships with international principals, partners, suppliers, customers and employees, many of which have continued for decades.

Building thenext chapter

As United Group enters its second century, its attention remains firmly directed towards the future.  On the significance of the centenary, Edmund Gatt Baldacchino, CEO, and Simon Gatt Baldacchino, COO, both Executive Directors of United Group, noted: “Reaching 100 years is an opportunity to reflect on the values, relationships and decisions that have shaped United Group across generations.  As we look ahead, our focus is on continuing to build with discipline, strengthening the Group’s foundations and maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit whilst exploring new ventures aligned with its capabilities and long-term objectives thus ensuring it remains well positioned for the future.”

The next generation of the family is also expected to play an increasingly important role, bringing fresh perspectives, new skills and an understanding of changing technologies and markets, while drawing on the experience accumulated over the past century.

After 100 years of enterprise, success for United Group extends beyond financial performance. It is reflected in the strength of its partnerships, the trust placed in the organisation, its contribution to Malta’s development and its ability to provide future generations with a strong platform from which to build.