The East India Company, once one of the most powerful companies in history, has now closed for the second time, nearly 152 years after it first ceased operations. The original East India Company was revived, but it seems like the revived company is now facing the same fate. Scroll down to know the reason behind this.
The East India Company Shuts Down Again
According to India Today, the original British trading firm, the East India Company, had shut 152 years ago but was revived by British-Indian businessman Sanjiv Mehta in 2010. He had bought the rights to the name. But now, the company has once again shut down due to bankruptcy. Reportedly, the company was operating as a luxury food and drink retailer in London. But this second life has also proved to be short-lived.
According to Hindustan Times, the company has now been placed into liquidation. The original East India Company’s rule in India was taken over by the British government after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which started the British Raj in India. In history, the company controlled by the British Crown caused great suffering for Indians. The original company traded in spices, cotton, silk, tea, indigo and more. The company was first dissolved in 1874.
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Revived Company Operated As A Luxury Store In Mayfair
But according to India Today, things changed when Indian entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta bought the rights to the East India Company name in 2010. The company that once ruled India was now headed by an Indian. This was celebrated among Indians across the world in 2010. Sanjiv Mehta had opened a 2,000 sq ft luxury store in Mayfair. The shop sold high-end teas, chocolates, confectionery, spices and other items. However, once again, the company will now be a part of history.
Reportedly, the East India Company appointed liquidators in October 2025. It owed more than ₹6.3 crore to its parent group registered in the British Virgin Islands. Not just that, the company also owed ₹2.03 crore in taxes and ₹1.71 crore to employees. The company’s website is also down, and its shop at 97 New Bond Street in Mayfair, London, is now empty and up for rent.
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Cover Image Courtesy: tripadvisor/ Website and @TheEastIndia/X
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Why is The East India Company shutting down?
The revived company has gone bankrupt.
What did the original The East India Company trade in?
It traded in spices, cotton, silk, tea, indigo and other items.
Who revived The East India Company?
British-Indian businessman Sanjiv Mehta revived it in 2010.