Columbia Ventures Corporation

Columbia Ventures Corporation (CVC) is a private equity diversified holding company. While practicing law in 1987, Ken Peterson, CEO of CVC, created Columbia Aluminum Corporation and led the purchase and rehabilitation of a closed aluminum smelter adjacent to the Columbia River in Washington State. In 1988, CVC was formed as a subsidiary to hold non-smelting investments, including what became the largest aluminum extrusion business west of the Mississippi River. In 1996, CVC became an independent company wholly-owned by the Peterson family. In 1997 CVC commenced construction of a state-of-the-art aluminum smelter in Iceland. In the early years of the 21st century CVC divested its aluminum assets. Beginning with the success of its innovative business model in the aluminum industry, CVC has continued to invest in a wide range of strategic, innovative, or contrarian opportunities.