HAL Trust, through its subsidiaries, primarily owns and operates optical retail chains. The company also supplies timber products and building materials through 101 outlets; produces composite panels for façade cladding, as well as laboratory furniture; manufactures panels for various interior surfaces, as well as cryogenic equipment; manufactures and distributes personal protective equipment; and distributes liquefied natural gas. In addition, it manufactures and sells orthopedic and other medical devices; operates a network of 33 specialized care centers and various fitting locations; publishes the Dutch financial newspaper, Het Financieele Dagblad', as well as operates BNR Nieuwsradio, a radio station; and offers horticultural communication products and services to growers, garden centers, and retailers. Further, the company develops and produces identification and timing equipment for sports events under the MYLAPS brand; provides business process outsourcing and factoring services for the Dutch health care sector; offers training for pilots using flight simulators; sells various products through the direct to consumer channel; and sells hearing aids. Additionally, it operates as a tank storage company for the oil and chemical industry; manufactures and distributes optical frames and sunglasses; develops and rents multi-family properties and office buildings in Seattle; and provides temporary staffing agency services. The company also offers dredging, maritime infrastructure, and maritime services; and floating production solutions to the offshore energy industry, as well as financial services. As of December 31, 2017, it operated 7,001 optical stores, including 1,184 franchise stores; and 30 gas tankers. The company has operations in Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally. HAL Trust was founded in 1873 and is based in Willemstad, Curaçao.