The company had its origins in the 17th century and the Compagnie des Indes Orientales. The company along with others was acquired by John Law’s Banque Royale and the result was the formation of the Compagnie Perpétuelle des Indes. John Laws financial operations are well known and they led to one of the most famous ‘bubbles’ of the 18th century. When the bubble burst in 1720 this company was formed. An edict was issued in 1769 requiring the company to transfer all of its assets to the State with the King agreeing to pay all debts of about 30 million livres. Final liquidation took place in 1790 with shareholders receiving about 15% of their investment.