The company moved to Houston early in the 20th Century because that city was gaining on Galveston for the title of Cotton Capital of the U.S. after the near-complete destruction of that port by the 1900 Galveston hurricane, and on account of Houston's rapidly expanding shipping facilities.
[5] In 1905, Will's younger brother, Benjamin Clayton, already known as an expert in railroad and steamship transportation, joined the partnership.
[11] The Anderson Foundation trustees insisted that the new school be set up in Houston near the company headquarters.
Anderson, Clayton also acquired major interests in food companies in Brazil and Mexico, but their profits were hurt by currency devaluations in those countries.
Although Anderson, Clayton had tried to sell Ranger, there were no bidders, and the parent corporation experienced its worst financial performance in many years.
[13] On September 29, 1986, Reuters released news that Anderson, Clayton had announced that it would be acquired by the Quaker Oats Company in a merger estimated to be worth $812 million.
The deal had been contested by Ralston Purina Company, which had planned to match the Quaker Oats offer, provided there were no antitrust objections from the Justice Department.