German firm founded: November 1, 1840 [T01p91] [M01p239] [G01] [L02]

In 1868 it had 12 agencies, mostly insurance. [Additional information from John Wilson 20 November 2006. [M04]]

By 1871, 8 Europeans on staff. [Additional information from John Wilson 20 November 2006. [M04]]

In 1895, there were 14 agencies, 27 insurance companies, two agencies for the classification of steam ships. [Additional information from John Wilson 20 November 2006. [M04]]

In 1900 there were 26 Europeans in the firm and in 1914 one more; four worked for N.D.L. Co. and one for Hamburg-Amerika Line. In that year the number of insurance companies represented had risen to 36. There were 11 branches in the Far East alone, including Penang, opened in 1890. [Additional information from John Wilson 20 November 2006. [M04]]

On 1 January 1906 became a Limited company [W05p672-674]

Ceased 1914 [G01]

The first German firm in Singapore. Established by Th. August Behn and Valentin Lorenz Meyer both from Hamburg. In 1914 had 11 branches in the Far East. [B02]

Were in Burma at Akyab, Rangoon and Moulmein for rice [W05p672-674]

German firm located at Collyer Quay. The name continued being used, despite the partnership being dissolved on March 1, 1850. They had offices at Weld Quay, Penang. Behn Meyer were importers and exports and tin merchants. They also acted as the shipping agents for the North Deutscher Lloyd (A01).

Contemporary ads mention that they were managing agents for the Norddeutscher Lloyd (1886), Bremen Coast Lines. Lists routes Singapore-Bangkok, Bangkok-Hongkong, Singapore-Deli-Asahan, China-Borneo, Penang-Deli, Singapore-British North Borneo, Singapore-British North Borneo, and South Philippines; and Singapore-Celebes and Moluccas. [R3p2]

Sent boat loads of pilgrims to Mecca [W05p672-674]

In 1890 were agents for the German-Australian Steamship Company and Hamburg-America line (1890) [W05p672-674]

Export all sorts of local and regional products to Hamburg and Bremen [W05p672-674]

From Western Australia imported: horses, sheep and sandal-wood [W05p672-674]

Exports: 25,000 tons of tin also copra, pepper, gambier, tapioca, sago, rattan, gutta-percha, copals, mother-of-pearl, skins etc. [W05p672-674]

Imports: a wide range of Western manufactured product [W05p672-674]

ca1850s sent one of their men, Mr. Theis to represent them in Bangkok [W05p672-674]

In 1890 the Penang branch was opened. [M4p187]

in 1907 employed over 60 Europeans and over 400 natives [W05p672-674]

in 1907 had branches in: Penang, Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Sandakan [W05p672-674]

In 1907 they are mentioned as being Managing Agents for the Norddeutscher Lloyd, Bremen [R03]

At one point represented 14 firms and 36 insurance companies. [M04p187]

ca 1905 they opened an office in Bangkok. [H06p329]

Closed due to the War. [Additional information from John Wilson 20 November 2006. [M04]]

They were the largest and most influential German firm from 1840 to the commencement of WWI. [H06p395]

Between the wars their business in Singapore was run under the name of the Straits Java trading Co. Ltd. [H06p396]

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• The company reappeared after the war(s) and is today succeeded by the Behn Meyer Group.