This paper analyses the long-term trends of ''British business'' in Brazil since 1850. It covers investment and other manifestations of the British presence such as those related to trade as well as financial intermediation. Primary interest is in British involvement in Brazilian private sector activities, whether by direct investment or by the flotation of sterling securities for firms operating in Brazil. The article also considers the role of London as a financial market where Brazilian public loans were floated, the relevance of Britain as a market for Brazilian commodities and as a supplier to Brazil, and British intermediation in Brazilian trade with third countries. It is divided in chronological sections: imperial years (1850-1889); stagnation and boom (1889-1914); first signs of decline (1914-1930), and the divestment period (1930 to the mid-1950's). The final section presents the conclusions and mentions post-1950 trends.
Anglo-Brazilian economic relations; Brazil; foreign direct investment; British investment in Brazil
