Final answer:
The Dutch East India Company was the richest company in the world in 1669, with a vast trading network, control over key spice trade ports, and quasi-governmental powers. In the Americas, the Dutch West Indies Company contributed to their wealth through control over the Caribbean trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The climax of the Dutch East India Company was in 1669, when it was the richest private company in the world. This was due to its successful establishment in 1602 as a joint-stock company which allowed it to become the first multinational corporation. It had quasi-governmental powers, including the ability to wage wars, establish colonies, coin money, negotiate treaties, and execute judicial powers. The DEIC established a dominant presence in the global spice trade in Asia, which was initially controlled by the Portuguese. Following the decline of Portuguese control, the Dutch seized their opportunity to establish themselves as the preeminent power in this lucrative market. The DEIC controlled key trade ports like Malacca and had monopolies in spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. By the mid-18th century, the company also forced production of crops like coffee in Java to maximize its wealth. In the Americas, they established the Dutch West Indies Company, focusing on capturing Portuguese possessions in Brazil and West Africa, as well as intercepting Spanish treasure fleets. While their success was limited in Brazil and Africa, the Dutch thrived by controlling much of the Caribbean trade, both legit and black market, thus becoming the most powerful shipping empire in the region.