The East India Company, once one of the most powerful companies in the world, has shut down again — this time as a luxury lifestyle brand in London.
The modern version of the company was owned by Indian entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta, who revived the historic name in the early 2000s and launched a luxury retail business in 2010. The brand sold premium teas, chocolates, spices, and fine foods from its flagship store in London’s Mayfair district. (India Today)
However, the company has now gone bankrupt and entered liquidation after building significant debt. Reports say the business owed more than £950,000 to creditors, including unpaid taxes and employee salaries. (India Today)
The company appointed liquidators in October 2025, marking the end of its modern revival. Its official website is no longer active, and its flagship London store has closed and is now empty. (Moneycontrol)
From Colonial Empire to Luxury Brand
The original East India Company was founded in 1600 as a British trading company. Over time, it became one of the most powerful commercial organizations in history and played a major role in British colonial rule in India. (The CSR Journal)
At its peak, the company controlled large parts of India and maintained a private army larger than the British Army at the time. (Rediff)
After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, control of the company’s territories was taken over by the British government, leading to direct British rule in India. The company was eventually dissolved in the 19th century. (The CSR Journal)
The East India Company remains a controversial symbol of colonial exploitation and economic control in Asia. (India Today)
A Symbolic Revival That Failed
When Sanjiv Mehta bought the rights to the East India Company name, many saw it as symbolic — an Indian businessman owning a brand once associated with British rule in India. (India Today)
Mehta aimed to transform the company’s image into a modern luxury brand focused on quality products and heritage. (Rediff)
But after about 15 years of operations, the business failed financially and shut down. (The Federal)
The End of a Historic Name
The latest shutdown marks the second time the East India Company has closed, nearly 170 years after its original collapse. (NDTV Profit)
Once a global trading empire that shaped world history, the East India Company has now ended as a small luxury retailer — bringing a quiet close to one of the most famous corporate names in history. (Moneycontrol)