Abstract

This article analyses the conditions under which the growth of industrial enterprises
occurred in Brazil before the 1930’s. Emphasis is placed on the specific. nature of capitalist
risk in industrial enterprise, in an economy dominated by accumulation of coffee capital.
Industrial competition and growth strategies of individual industrial firms are discussed
together with a typology of industrial firms that emerged during this period. Finally, the origin
and growth of a major Brazilian firm is presented as an illustration of what is called the
large “industrial emporium”, a peculiar form of commercial capital engaged in the industry.

JEL Classification: N56; Q12; L66.