The first company with shares appears to be Stora Enso[1], and it's also claimed by some to be the first corporation. 1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-166

The first company with shares appears to be Stora Enso[1], and it's also claimed by some to be the first corporation. 1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16611040 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16611040