>>9618578 lb
I've managed to trace this as far back as the Dutch East India company (VOC-1594). Called Voorcompagnie/Republic of Seven United Netherlands. Their were 12 'districts' that merged to form the VOC. They renamed to British East India and then the Committee of 300. They were the ones that started the 'stock' market and the megacorporation. They formed a cartel of sorts to control supply to manage the risk of the volatile spice prices. They also believed strongly in investing or buying in one country and living in another to protect their interests and diversify.
They believed in helping the commercial and industrial potential of many undeveloped countries but weren't opposed to killing the native population when it no longer served their purpose.
The House of Burgandy and House of Hapsburg were both involved through the Holy Roman Empire.