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21 Oldest Companies In The World (All You Need To Know)

Looking for the Oldest Companies In The World?

What are the oldest companies in the world still in operation?

Who makes the list?

Keep reading as we have gathered exactly the information that you need!

Let me give you the list of the oldest companies in operation in the world!

Are you ready?

Let’s get started!

Oldest Companies In The World 

Starting a business is a highly rewarding venture for the business owner.

To start a business and succeed, you need to create value for society.

When a company continually creates value for society and remains profitable, it can technically survive perpetually.

Speaking of perpetually, have you wondered what are the oldest companies in the world that are still in operation?

Well, I have compiled the list for you!

The Oldest Company In The World

According to various reports, the oldest company in the world is a Japanese company called Kongō Gumi.

Kongō Gumi was founded in 578 (that’s well over 1,425 years ago) as a family-owned business.

Kongō Gumi operated in the construction sector building Buddhist temples when it got started.

In 2006, the company was acquired by Takamatsu Construction Group as its subsidiary when it fell on hard times financially.

Top 21 Oldest Companies In The World

RankYear FoundedCompany NameCountryIndustry
1578Kongō GumiJapanConstruction
2705Nishiyama Onsen KeiunkanJapanHotel
3707KomanJapanHotel
4718Hōshi RyokanJapanHotel
5771Genda ShigyōJapanCeremonial paper goods
6803Stiftskeller St. PeterAustriaRestaurant
7862Staffelter HofGermanyWine
8864Monnaie de ParisFranceCoin Production
9885Tanaka-IgaJapanReligious goods
10900Sean's BarIrelandPub
11953The Bingley ArmsUKPub
12970Nakamura ShajiJapanConstruction
131000Château de GoulaineFranceWine
141000Marinelli Bell FoundryItalyFoundry
151000Ichimonjiya WasukeJapanConfectionery
161024Shumiya-ShinbutsugutenJapanReligious goods
171040WeihenstephanGermanyBrewery
181050WeltenburgerGermanyBrewery
191068Otterton MillUKMill
201074Affligem breweryBelgiumBrewery
211074Benediktinerstift AdmontAustriaWoodworking

Top 21 Oldest Companies In The World By Country

RankYear FoundedCompany NameCountryIndustry
1578Kongo GumiJapanConstruction
2803St. Peter Stifts KulinariumAustriaRestaurant
3862Staffelter Hof WineryGermanyBrewery
4864Monnaie de ParisFranceCoin Production
5900Sean’s BarIrelandBar
61040Marinelli Bell FoundryItalyBell Foundry
71074Affligem BreweryBelgiumBrewery
81135Munke MølleDenmarkFood and Beverage
91136Aberdeen Harbour BoardScotlandShipping
101153Ma Yu Ching’s Bucket Chicken HouseChinaRestaurant
111218Casa de GanaderosSpainMeat Distributor
121230Gasthof SternenSwitzerlandInn
131248Bochnia Salt MinePolandSalt Plant
141250Drohobych Salt PlantUkraineSalt Plant
151328Kremnica MintSlovakiaCoin Production
161340The Brand BreweryNetherlandsBrewery
171346Skyllbergs BrukSwedenEnterprise
181348Pivovar BroumovCzechiaBrewery
191422RaeapteekEstoniaPharmacy
201511MouselLuxembourgBrewery
211514Trinity HouseEnglandShipping

Business and law blog

Takeaways 

So there you have it folks!

For a company to make our list of the oldest company in the world, the requirement was for the company to still be in operation today.

Based on my research it appears that all of the companies on our list are still active and in operation.

Out of 21 of the oldest companies in the world, 9 are from Japan, 3 from Germany, 2 from France, 2 from the UK, and 2 from Austria.

All the oldest companies in the world are in operation for at least 948 years.

12 of the oldest companies in the world that are still in operation were founded before the year 1,000.

Now that you know what are the oldest companies in the world, good luck with your research!

Editorial Staff
Hello Nation! I'm a lawyer by trade and an entrepreneur by spirit. I specialize in law, business, marketing, and technology (and love it!). I'm an expert SEO and content marketer where I deeply enjoy writing content in highly competitive fields. On this blog, I share my experiences, knowledge, and provide you with golden nuggets of useful information. Enjoy!

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