Cooper, William, & Nephews Ltd

Notes:

Traced origins to William Cooper, d1885, who by 1840 was working as a veterinary surgeon at Berkhamsted. Developed sheep dip as a means of giving protection against fungicides, etc, and was manufacturing and marketing it by 1843. His product came to be known as Cooper's Powder Dip. In early 1850s established purpose built plant for its manufacture. By 1860s had emerged as a leader in its field. By early 20th century had developed a strong research base. 1920 incorporated as William Cooper & Nephews Ltd and soon after converted to a public company. In later 1920s merged with McDougall & Robertson Ltd to become Cooper McDougall & Robertson Ltd and began to focus on synthetic insecticides. 1946 acquired by Wellcome Foundation Ltd