[1]: 42 The company developed dynamically, particularly after 1731, thanks to the initiative of comptroller-general Philibert Orry who streamlined its ownership structure, governance and portfolio of operations, with a main focus on Asian trade.

[2] As part of Orry's restructuring, the company lost its privileges and monopolies in the trade with North Africa (November 1730) and Louisiana (January 1731), but kept them for Canada, Senegal and Guinea.

[4] With the decline of the Mughal Empire, the company decided to intervene in Indian political affairs to protect French interests, notably by forging alliances with local rulers in south India.

From 1741, under Joseph François Dupleix, it pursued an aggressive policy against both the local rulers and its British rivals, until ultimately defeated by Robert Clive during the Seven Years' War.

[1]: 42  Its Asian trade privilege was suspended on 13 August 1769,[3] and king Louis XV required the company to transfer to the state all its properties, assets and rights, which were valued at 30 million livres.