Pa Bell: A. Jean De Grandpre and the Meteoric Rise of Bell Canada Enterprises

The story of Bell Canada Enterprises is, quite literally, the story of communications in Canada. In terms of its scope and impact on the corporate landscape, the formation of BCE can be likened to the building of the Canadian National Railway. At the helm was A. Jean de Grandpré, arguably Canada's most controversial, charismatic, and feared business leader.

His methods were ruthless; his company's projects, including a major Saudi Arabian telecommunications deal, were epic. In unleashing his fury against his opponents - and there were many, including the CRTC - de Grandpré often exploited whatever influence his company may have had over an adversary as a weapon.

In less than six years, A. Jean de Grandpré transformed Bell Canada from a sleepy monopoly utility into a giant management holding company with investments in more than 100 companies, rfevenue of more than $15 billion, large global interests, and products, including telephone serice, telecommunications equipment, energy and real estate, that touches all Canadians. As chairman of BCE, the weight of his influence grew to epic proportions, rivalling that of the Bronfmans, the Reichmanns, and even exceeding Canadian Pacific.