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In just a few decades, some of today’s most recognized companies may no longer be known names.
Corporate longevity, or the half-life of a company, has been dramatically reduced.
In the 1960s, a typical S&P 500 company was projected to last more than 60 years. However, with today’s rapidly changing business landscape, it shrinks to just 18 years.
Companies with the greatest staying power
Even with younger companies, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Fortunately, many companies worldwide have stood the test of time, and today’s detailed Business Financing map highlights the oldest company in each country.
For centuries, here are the oldest corporations in the world that have left their mark:
| Year | company name | country | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 578 | Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd. | Japan | Building |
| 803 | St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium | Austria | Service industry (restaurant) |
| 862 | Staffelter Hof | Germany | Distillers, Winemakers and Breweries (Winery) |
| 864 | Monnaie de Paris | France | Manufacturing and Production (Mint) |
| 886 | Royal mint | England | Manufacturing and Production (Mint) |
| 900 | Sean’s Bar | Ireland | Service Industry (Pub) |
| 1040 | Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli | Italy | Manufacturing and production (bell casting) |
| 1074 | Affligem brewery | Belgium | Distillers, Winemakers and Breweries |
| 1135 | Munke Mølle | Denmark | Manufacturing and production (flour mill) |
| 1153 | Ma Yu Ching’s Bucket Chicken House | China | Service industry (restaurant) |
Whether they were born out of necessity to support a rapidly growing population that requires new infrastructure and more money, or simply to satisfy people’s thirst for alcohol or hunger for fried chicken, these companies continue to play a role. durable.
The oldest company in all countries, by region
Let’s dive into the regional maps, which paint a different image for each continent.
On the following maps, countries are color-coded according to the main industry to which the oldest company belongs:
- Primary: natural resources
- Secondary: manufacturing and processing
- Tertiary: Services and distribution.
- Quaternary: knowledge and information
Notes on methodology:
This research considers both state and independent businesses in their definitions. For countries where the data was difficult to pinpoint, they have dimmed.
Also, since many countries have a relatively new start, current names and borders have been used. The map does not take into account older companies that are no longer operational, or whether it was still open was unclear.
Click here to explore the full research methodology.
North America
Mexico Mexico’s Mint (founded in 1534) is the oldest company in North America and the first mint in America. Property of the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, it was where the famous “pieces of eight”, or Spanish dollars, were created.
In the United States, the Shirley Plantation in Virginia it is a continuous reminder of the history of slavery. First founded in 1613, the business actually started in 1638, and as many as 90 slaves were under contract labor on the tobacco farm.
Further north, Canada Hudson Bay (founded in 1670) was at the forefront of the fur trade between European settlers and First Nations tribes: Beaver skins were agreed by both parties as a common and valuable commercial standard.
South America
Three of the five oldest companies in South America are mints, specifically in Brazil, Colombia and Peru.
The oldest of these mints, National Mint in Peru, it was built at the request of Spain and was established in 1565. After the large influx of silver recently mined from America to Europe, the Spanish crown explained to King Felipe II that building a mint would give the colony benefits economic and more control.
Europe
In total, 15 of Europe’s oldest companies are related to the food and beverage industries, from distilleries, winegrowers and breweries to restaurants and pubs. From Austria St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium (founded in 803) is the oldest restaurant in Europe, located inside the Abbey of San Pedro monastery.
Although Germany is famous for its beer culture, its oldest company is, in fact, the Staffelter Hof Winery (founded in 862). Today, Germany remains one of the top wine countries, with an industry that generates up to $ 17 billion in revenue per year.
Asia
Asia has six oldest companies in the banking and finance category, as well as six others in the aviation and transportation sector. The continent is also home to two of the oldest companies in the world, located in Japan and China.
The Japanese temple and shrine construction company, Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd. (founded 578) has endured some storms for millennia, from nuclear bombs to financial crises. In 2006, it was purchased by the construction conglomerate, Takamatsu Construction Group Co., and continues to operate today.
In neighboring China, Ma Yu Ching’s Bucket Chicken House it has undergone dynasties of change as well. The company’s simple premise has come a long way, and it was named a cultural heritage in the country’s Henan province.
Africa
Africa’s oldest companies are another vestige of the colonial legacy, with 11 transportation companies (airlines, ports and shipments, and railroads) and 9 postal services.
In fact, Cape Verde Cape Verde Post Office (postal service, founded in 1849) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo Société nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo (National railway company, founded in 1889) are still known by their Portuguese and French names, respectively.
Banking is another of the oldest industries, with 17 companies in Africa. Zimbabwe Standard Chartered Branch has been in existence since 1892, a subsidiary of its London-based parent company.
Oceania
Australia officially became a country on January 1, 1901, but its oldest company, the Australia Post (founded in 1809) precedes this by almost a century.
Curiously, only one more old company could be located for this region, which is the Bank of New Zealand—One of the four big banks in the country.
Overall, these older companies paint a historical picture of the major industries that have shaped entire regions.
Did you recognize any on the list?
