Fonds: Companhia União

Date of creation: 29 July 1843
Date of extinction: 16 December 1845
Origin: By Executive Order of 5 July 1843, under authorisation conferred by the Law of June 28, the Government announced the intention to earmark the rendimento da décima (income from the tithe) of the fiscal year 1842-1843 and from other taxes collected in 1843-1844, so as to raise the necessary funds to meet public expenditure. Thus, Companhia União was created, with the collaboration of Banco de Lisboa and Sociedade Brandão e Sousa, which went on to negotiate a loan of 1,250 contos (1) with the State.

By Executive Order of 29 July, the constitution of the Company, as well as its statutes, were approved. Its 1,000 contos capital was fully subscribed for by 117 shareholders, with Banco de Lisboa one of the main shareholders.

By Executive Order of 29 July 1844 the conditions relative to the organisation of the Company were approved so as to make a second loan available to the Government, to the value of 450 contos.
The capital of the Company for this loan was 350 contos, subscribed for by the original shareholders, at the initial proportion.

After settling both loans, the Company closed its accounts in December 1845, with substantial profits.

Documentation from this Company consists of a total of 6 account books covering its entire period of activity (1843-1845).

Documentation dates: 1843-1845

No. items: 6
Extent: 0.14 Lm

Finding aid: Arquivo da Companhia União (Col. Inventários, 4)
Access: No consultation restrictions.

All documentation is microfilmed and digitalized.

(1) Conto is the value of 1,000 escudos, the former Portuguese currency.