The world of business is filled with enormous contracts that have the power to change entire industries and economies. These contracts often involve large sums of money, and the stakes are high. But which contracts are considered the biggest of them all?
Without further ado, here are some of the biggest contracts ever signed in history.
The Panama Canal Treaty
The Panama Canal Treaty is arguably one of the most significant contracts ever signed in the world. The treaty was signed on September 7, 1977, and transferred control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama. The contract was worth $10 billion, which was a staggering amount of money at that time.
The Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project was a research and development project that produced the first atomic bombs. It was a joint effort between the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada during World War II. The total cost of the project was $2.2 billion, which was a massive amount of money at that time.
The Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is one of the most iconic airplanes in the world. The contract to build the Boeing 747 was signed in 1966 and was worth $525 million. The 747 was the largest passenger airplane ever built at that time and revolutionized air travel.
The Microsoft-IBM Contract
In the early days of personal computing, the Microsoft-IBM contract was a game-changer. The contract was signed in 1980 and allowed Microsoft to create an operating system for IBM`s new personal computer. The contract was worth $50,000, but it had a massive impact on the computer industry, paving the way for the modern PC.
The Exxon Valdez Settlement
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The spill polluted over 1,300 miles of Alaska`s coastline and killed thousands of animals. The settlement with Exxon was worth $1.1 billion, and it remains one of the largest environmental settlements in history.
In conclusion, the business world is filled with enormous contracts that have the power to change the course of history. From the transfer of control of the Panama Canal to the creation of the Boeing 747, these contracts represent some of the biggest deals in history. They continue to influence industries and economies to this day, and their impact will be felt for generations to come.
