Financial valuation methods in a world under political control: the case of the Canal du Midi (1897-1901)

The Canal du Midi, a monumental 17th-century engineering feat, faced significant economic and political challenges during its later years, culminating in its sale to the French State between 1897 and 1901. This study reveals that the canal's decline was driven by the rise of railway and road transport, coupled with political instability, including revolutions and the establishment of the French Republic. The analysis highlights how outdated financial valuation methods were employed during this period, reflecting the complexities of assessing long-term assets under shifting political control. The research sheds light on the intersection of economic strategies and state intervention in infrastructure management.

Degos, J. G. (2014). Financial valuation methods in a world under political control: the case of the Canal du Midi (1897-1901). International Journal of Economics and Accounting, 5(2), 165. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijea.2014.063748