The World’s Oldest Companies Still in Business

Most businesses don’t last long. According to the U.S. Bureau of Employment Statistics, about half of new businesses close within five years, and only 20% make it past 20 years. But some companies have defied the odds—not just for decades, but for centuries. Here are a few of the world’s longest-running businesses that are still operating today.

Brooks Brothers (Founded 1818, USA)
America’s oldest clothing retailer, Brooks Brothers, started as D.H. Brooks & Co. in New York City. The company introduced the first off-the-rack suits in 1849, making formalwear more accessible. Over 200 years later, it remains a well-known name in men’s fashion.

Baker’s Chocolate (Founded 1765, USA)
James Baker and John Hannon launched Baker’s Chocolate in Massachusetts in 1765. The company made its first recorded chocolate sale in 1772 and introduced its famous branded chocolate in 1780. Now owned by Kraft Heinz, it’s still a staple in baking aisles.

Hudson’s Bay Company (Founded 1670, Canada)
Founded under English royal charter, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) controlled vast trade territories in what is now Canada. Today, it operates the Hudson’s Bay department stores and owns luxury chains like Saks Fifth Avenue.

Lodenwalker Ramsau (Founded 1434, Austria)
Dating back to 1434, Lodenwalker Ramsau is one of Austria’s oldest businesses. The company specializes in loden wool, a durable fabric traditionally worn in Alpine regions, and operates what it claims is the world’s oldest loden mill.

Drohobych Saltworks (Founded 1250, Ukraine)
Established in 1250, Drohobych Saltworks in Ukraine is the country’s oldest operating business. Now state-owned, it continues to produce salt while also serving as a cultural heritage site.

Kongo Gumi (Founded 578 A.D., Japan)
One of the longest-running companies in history, Kongo Gumi was founded in 578 A.D. as a temple-building company in Japan. It remained a family-run business for over 1,400 years before being acquired by Takamatsu Construction Group in 2006. However, Kongo family descendants still work in the company today.

These companies prove that with adaptability, strong leadership, and a little luck, a business can last not just a lifetime—but many lifetimes.