Jardine, Matheson & Co.

Started in 1832 trading mainly in opium, tea, silk and cotton Jardine, Matheson swiftly moved into shipowning as opium, Tea, Cotton, Tea traders they rapidly expanded and leased vessels to transport their cargoes. In 1844 had set up their Head Office in Hong Kong following the ceding of the territory to the United Kingdom. From there it rapidly expanded business to have bases all along the South China coast.

By the 1870's Jardine, Matheson were the largest foreign company operating in what was known then as the Far East. They operated a large merchant fleet, had interests in cotton mills as well as railways.

As of 2023 the company as Jardine, Matheson Holdings is still active and operating in a wide range of activities.