Keesing History

A seven letter notion: Keesing
The Keesing Puzzles & Games as we know it, originates from the company Systemen Keesing, founded by Isaac Keesing jr. in 1911. Thanks to the success of Keesing Financieel Archief voor Beurs, Handel en Nijverheid (Keesing Financial Records for Stock Exchange, Trade and Industry), a periodical with financial information for stock exchange experts, Keesing's founding father and name giver was able to set up his own composing room, printer and bindery in 1916.

Keesing puzzle magazines
Setting up this printing business was an ideal preparation to editing and publishing a 'Denksport' (mindgames). The first periodical puzzle edition was marketed on October 30, 1930. With this new puzzle edition Isaac Keesing did not only introduce a new mania, but also a new expression: 'Denksport'. The Dutch became addicted to ‘denksporten’ (mind gaming) and the new magazine was a great success. At the beginning of the twenty-first century Keesing not only publishes traditional cross words, but also nine different puzzle types.

From diversification to focus
After a difficult period during the Second World War, Keesing diversified its editions for consumers and professional magazines in the Netherlands and Belgium. The puzzle activities have also been extended to other language areas. Especially in France, where a new puzzle company was founded in 1955, Keesing was successful.

Isaäc Keesing jr.

Printer
At the end of the twentieth century our printing businesses were substantial. However, in the late nineties Keesing decided to divers its printing activities and to focus entirely on publishing. Since 2005 Keesing only specializes in the market of Puzzles & Games, which means that all non-related activities were to be sold. At this moment Keesing Reference Systems is the only remaining company with no relation to puzzle activities.

Keesing Puzzles & Games 2008
In 2008 Keesing is an international company with 200 employees and is almost completely focused on Puzzles & Games. Keesing Group is a small holding which co-ordinates the French, Dutch, Belgium, Danish en Polish activities from Amsterdam.

From family business to a company on the stock exchange
Right from its foundation in 1911 until 2004 Keesing was a family owned business. In 2004 NPM-Capital, who held a minor interest for years, bought all shares from the Keesing family. In 2006 TMG (Telegraaf Media Groep) bought Keesing, making Keesing part of a large publishing company in and by which Keesing will further fulfil its ambitions.