The comany was founded in 1856 by Gauthier Freres & Compagnie of Paris in Lyons to operate a fleet of steamers between Le Havre and North & South America (New York, New Orleans, Brazil, Cuba).

The company's services proved to be very irregular, ships prone to breakdowns and passengers far fewer than expected.

The company closed in 1857.

Rare document with a nice design (steamship, coat of arms). Signed by Gauthier.