Most companies follow a predictive lifecycle, moving from start-up, to growth, and exit in just a few short years. For Fortune 500 companies that lifespan is a little longer, hovering around 40-50 years. A lucky few, however, continue on way past this mark and cement their place in history.
Many of North America’s oldest companies are now broaching 300 years old! Having endured countless wars, stock market crashes, and cultural shifts, they continue to survive because of their willingness to adapt.
As a virtual data room provider, Firmex plays an active role in helping company’s through the growth -> exit stage of their business. Each year we facilitate thousands of fundraising projects, joint ventures and M&A deals. While it’s exciting to be a part of, we continue to be amazed by the resilience of North America’s oldest companies, featured in the following timeline.