Megacorporation - Real-life Examples

Real-life Examples

Although the term itself arose out of science fiction, certain real-life corporations have achieved or approached megacorporation status in various ways. However, today many countries in the world have competition laws (or antitrust laws) to prevent companies of achieving megacorporation characteristics.

The Dutch East India Company was the first multinational corporation in the world to issue stock. It was also arguably the world's first megacorporation, possessing quasi-governmental powers, including the ability to wage war, negotiate treaties, coin money, and establish colonies.

The British East India Company likewise had megacorporation status until it was nationalised in 1875.

The Hanseatic League, a medieval association of German traders, functioned as an independent political power with its own military forces and legal system.

The Zaibatsu of Japan, industrial and financial business conglomerates whose influence and size allowed for control over significant parts of the Japanese economy from the Meiji period until the end of World War II. Many were reorganized into what are now called Keiretsu.