What Is the Biggest Company in London?

By Michael Ferguson

London is one of the world’s largest global financial centers, with a diverse and dynamic economy that draws businesses from around the globe. With so many companies calling London home, it’s natural to wonder which one is the biggest. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question.

Overview of London’s Business Landscape

Before we dive into which company is the biggest in London, it’s important to understand the city’s business landscape. As mentioned earlier, London is a global financial center that attracts businesses from around the world. Some of the key industries in London include finance, technology, healthcare, and professional services.

The Criteria for Measuring a Company’s Size

When it comes to determining which company is the biggest in London, there are several criteria that can be used. These include factors such as revenue, market capitalization, number of employees, and overall influence on the local and global economy.

The Biggest Company in London by Revenue

Based on revenue alone, the biggest company in London is currently BP plc. According to Forbes’ Global 2000 list for 2021, BP ranks as the 14th largest company in the world based on revenue. In 2020 alone, BP reported revenue of over $180 billion.

The Biggest Company in London by Market Capitalization

Market capitalization refers to a company’s total value based on its stock price and number of outstanding shares. Based on market capitalization alone, the biggest company in London is currently AstraZeneca plc. AstraZeneca is a pharmaceutical giant with operations around the world and a market capitalization of over $140 billion as of August 2021.

The Biggest Company in London by Number of Employees

If we look at which company has the most employees based in London specifically, then it would be JPMorgan Chase & Co. With over 17,000 employees based in the city, JPMorgan Chase is a major player in London’s finance industry.

Conclusion

So, what is the biggest company in London? As we’ve seen, it depends on how you measure “biggest.”

Based on revenue alone, BP plc takes the top spot. However, if we look at market capitalization or number of employees based in London specifically, then AstraZeneca plc and JPMorgan Chase & Co. come out on top respectively.

Regardless of which company takes the crown for “biggest,” one thing is clear: London’s business landscape is diverse and thriving. With so many global companies calling the city home, it’s an exciting time to be a part of its dynamic economy.