BizAims

It seems that the list of 100 oldest companies in the world missed a few important players.

After a few feedbacks from our visitors a decision came to restore justice and place four companies that should be included in the list as these companies have been activating on the market for quite some time.

Finally here are they are: Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan (1040), Whitechapel Bell Foundry (1570), Hudson Bay Company (1670), Twinings (1706).

The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan 1040

Over a millennium ago this place served as the monastery brewery of the Benedictine monks. Saint Corbinian along with his 12 companions put the roots of the Weihenstephan monastery and founded the art of brewing. The event took place in the year 725. The official brewing at Weihenstephan, however, started in 1040. In that year Abbot Arnold managed to obtain license that allowed the official production and selling of beer.

Later it turned into a Royal Bavarian State Brewery. Nowadays it is a regulated enterprise owned by the Freestate of Bavaria. The company activates according to the rules of private business. The Bavarian State Brewery is the oldest brewery in the world. Its building stays on a site atop Weihenstephan Hill, which is found in the Bavarian city of Freising surrounded by a young Weihenstephan science centre that belongs to the Technical University of Munich.

The official name of the brewery, Bavaria State Brewery Weihenstephan, was set in 1923 and today it works in cooperation with the Technical University of Munich, being both a facility for producing beer and a center for learning.

As the oldest beer producing company in the world, the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan shows class in brewing business, using the latest techniques for producing beer.

Company's official website: http://www.brauerei-weihenstephan.de/index.php?page=home_2_1_1

Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1570

The bell-production business of the company runs for over 500 years and is listed in the Guinees Book of Records as the oldest operating English company. It was established back in 1570, when England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I. The company's business focuses on the production of large bells that are used for ringing in church towers. It also creates single tolling bells and carrillon bells.

About 4/5 of the company's revenue is gained by the full range of accessories including framework, wheels, clappers as well as the assembly of these accessories in Church towers. Its most popular products include the original Liberty Bell (1752), the Great Bell of Montreal and Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster.

Company's official website: http://www.whitechapelbellfoundry.co.uk/

Hudson Bay Company 1670

The Canadian company has been founded 1670. Today Hudson Bay is in its fourth century of retailing business in Canada. Hbc's main channels include: the Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters, Designer Depot and Fields. All of these channels together offer more than 2/3 of the retail needs of Canadians.

It all started when two Frenchmen, Radisson and des Groseilliers, found a wealth of fur in the north and west of the Great Lakes. The two needed permission in order to explore the region. They contacted Prince Rupert, who was the cousin of King Charles II and were able to acquire the Royal Charter. In May 1670, the charter granted the Frenchmen the territory of Hudson Bay watershed to "the Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson Bay."

In the end of the 18^th century the firm decided to expand its activity due to competition. It opened a chain of posts that ranged along the river networks and end up in such cities as: Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton.

After the beginning of the retail era, Hbc steadily shifted their activity from ordinary posts into sales shops that featured a wider range of goods. 1912 started with an aggressive upgrading program within the company. In the end Hbc had six department stores located in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

In 1980 HBC rethought its priorities and decided to return to its main activity. It sold all non-retail businesses. In some time the company acquired: Zellers (1978), Simpsons (1978), Fields (1978), Robinson's (1979), Towers/Bonimart (1990), Woodwards (1993), and K-Mart Canada (1998) following in the tradition of Cairns (1921), Morgan's (1960) and Freiman's (1972).

Company's official website: http://www.hbc.com/landing.html

Twinings 1706

The company started its activity in 1706. Its business was the selling of fine teas in England. In the 21^st century the company sells over 200 teas in more than 100 countries worldwide. Twinings' tea business is based in Andover, Hampshire, England. Its founder was Thomas Twining, who opened his first tea room in 1706. It is interesting to note that the room stays till nowadays and can be viewed at 216 Strand, London.

Today the family business is managed by Stephen Twining, who represent the family's 10^th generation. In addition Twinings is a Royal Warrant holder, being appointed by HM The Queen.

Company's official website: http://www.twinings.co.uk/home_flash.asp