Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Smith Bell & Co

Other Business Names:

  • Smith, James A
  • Aboitiz & Co

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, North West, England
  • Manila, Philippines

Sectors:

  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland General trading & trade
  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland General trading co & agency house activities

Notes:

Traced origins to James A Smith who established a merchanting business at Liverpool in 1838 that traded with Manila. Traded UK goods to Manila and exported Philippine commodities worldwide, especially hemp and sugar. 1853 business renamed Smith Bell & Co. From 1860s established branches throughout Philippines and developed wide ranging interests, assuming characteristics of an agency house. Declined from 1930s and reformed in 1945. From 1959 controlled by Aboitiz & Co of Philippines

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