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Historic Hudson's Bay Charter Auctioned for $18 Million

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 1670 royal charter establishing Hudson's Bay will be auctioned December 3 after approval by Ontario Superior Court Justice Peter Osborne.
The opening bid is $18 million from Thomson and Weston families, who plan to donate the charter to public institutions and contribute $5 million for preservation.
Hudson's Bay faces over $1 billion in debt and seeks to maximize sale proceeds to pay creditors.
Bidders must submit by November 28.

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Story summary

The 1670 royal charter establishing Hudson's Bay will be auctioned December 3 after approval by Ontario Superior Court Justice Peter Osborne.
The opening bid is $18 million from Thomson and Weston families, who plan to donate the charter to public institutions and contribute $5 million for preservation.
Hudson's Bay faces over $1 billion in debt and seeks to maximize sale proceeds to pay creditors.
Bidders must submit by November 28.