Overview

In the late 1920s DuPont’s commitment to intensive, long-range research and product diversification placed it in direct competition with powerful European combines like Britain’s recently formed Imperial Chemical Industries. DuPont and ICI agreed in October 1929 to share information about patents and research developments. The firms also agreed not to compete in certain geographical territories and established successful joint ventures in Canada, Argentina and Brazil. In 1952, the companies’ alliance was dissolved, along with their shared operations in Canada and South America.