Parkinson and W. and B. Cowan
1900 On 16th November Parkinson and W. and B. Cowan was incorporated as a public company[1], manufacturers of gas meters and other gas apparatus, being the amalgamation of 2 of the oldest firms in this business: W. and B. Cowan Ltd of London, Manchester, Edinburgh and New South Wales, and W. Parkinson Ltd of London and Birmingham[2].
1925 Offer of shares to the public[3].
1925 Having been developing electric meters for some time, it was expected these would soon be generating profits for the company.
1925 Parkinson and W. and B. Cowan owned 98% of the shares in the Gas Meter Co which in turn had a minority interest in the Diaphragm and General Leather Co Ltd[4].
1928 The company was renamed Parkinson and Cowan - new shares quoted[5].