- Economic depression of 1870s revived idea of chartered companies as way to expand British interests at 0 cost to government.
- In 1881, North Borneo Trading Company received charter for means of administering territory and maintaining British influence against French.
- North Borneo benefited from deposits of coal, iron, copper and economic infrastructure development.
- In 1881, North Borneo Trading Company received charter for means of administering territory and maintaining British influence against French.
North Borneo led to establishment of Royal Niger Company in 1886, Imperial British East Africa Company in 1888 and British South Africa Company in 1889.