content: Increasing competition from other emerging multinationals (the Dutch East India company was the first of its kind) , wars, colonies that weren't maintained properly, sickness and looting were all factors that lead to the eventual demise of the company in 1800. By that time the British were more powerful. And in terms of personal wealth of those involved, you know how it goes; sooner than later a generation born into wealth will burn through all the money because they don't have the skills necessary to keep it.