Balfour Williamson & Co

Sectors:

  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland General trading & trade
  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland General trading co & agency house activities
  • Food & tobacco processing Grain milling inc flour, starch & glucose products
  • Financial services Merchant & investment banking services

Notes:

Established in 1851 as merchants by Alexander Balfour, 1824-86, Stephen Williamson and David Duncan (who withdrew in 1863). Based at Liverpool, the business initially traded with Chile where it established branches at Valparaiso and elsewhere and developed as an agency house, importing British manufactures and exporting goods such as nitrates and wool, investing in local commodity production, promoting utility businesses, acting as agents for UK businesses, managing local businesses on behalf of UK investors, etc. From 1860s also developed a similar business, Balfour Guthrie, in California and later expanded into Peru. Later known as Balfour, Williamson & Co Ltd. Developed in particular major interests in grain milling in both Chile and Peru. In 1909 head office relocated from Liverpool to London. In early 20th century expanded rapidly assuming characteristics of a merchant bank. Incorporated 1920s. Subsequently in decline. Sometime acquired by Lonrho Ltd

Groups: