Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile2 entries
1770
Financial collapse and investor losses
The company's privileges were withdrawn after military and commercial setbacks, leading to state takeover and liquidation. Holders of company stock and notes recovered only a minority of their nominal investments during the subsequent winding-up process.
1738
Company involvement in slavery and colonial coercion
The company owned enslaved people in Isle de France and imported captives from West Africa, including enslaved African sailors used aboard its ships. These activities are a central and deeply harmful aspect of the company's colonial history.