Rockefeller Standard Oil

Imperial Oil

Imperial Oil was founded in 1880 as a Canadian response to Standard Oil’s expansion — a deliberate replication of Rockefeller’s integrated model. It quickly controlled 85% of national refining capacity. After failing to secure British ownership, its board sold 75% to Standard Oil in 1898, absorbing its Canadian subsidiaries. Post-1911 antitrust breakup, Imperial remained legally distinct but was wholly assigned to Jersey Standard — becoming Standard Oil’s exclusive vehicle for Canadian operations.