The group is the oldest media company in Morocco.[1] It was founded during the French protectorate-era as "Mas presse" by Pierre and Yves Mas.[2] Moulay Ahmed Alaoui was founder of the group.[3] It edited the publication Le Petit Marocain which promoted the colonial policies of France in Morocco and defended its interests.[4] It also supported the Vichy government and was reprimanded for that after 1945.[5]