[hider= The Barclay-Hoffmeyer Group]

Founded in 1991 from a merger between the American company Barclay Holding and the German company Hoffmeyer GmbH, the multi-industry conglomerate has gone on to be one of the most powerful companies in the world. With extremely diversified holdings in such areas as heavy industry, communications, transportation, and hotels, Barclay-Hoffmeyer has fingers in numerous pies and whispers in many ears.

However, what differentiates this company from many similar ones is that its board of directors insists on always following an ethical and conscientious path. BH Industries take whatever steps possible to reduce their production of pollution, labor questions are always immediately considered, workers are given numerous benefits and generous pay. The company also sponsors numerous charitable initiatives and scholarship programs. While many point to BH as a model for large corporations, other, more cynical minds assume the good works are a front to distract from the company's more questionable moves, such as selling munitions to oppressive governments, forcing out small businesses, and amassing a private army of mercenaries to protect corporate interests.

The conglomerate has also attracted attention recently as they have begun to sponsor "deserving" superheroes in the cities of regional headquarters. First, the Western European headquarters at Stuttgart chose to sponsor the energy manipulator Silberpfeil. Next, North American HQ in St. Louis opted for Sonja Simpson, the Spirit of St. Louis. Next came Assegai in Durban, Shikari was sponsored by India HQ in Chennai, and Manila's very own Rey Balisong represented BH's Southeast Asia division. As the company searches for heroes to represent their branches in Maracaibo, Sendai, and Tel Aviv, some wonder if the next market the company plans to dominate is superheroes. [/hider]