Realizing the benefits of combining trading with ocean transport, the business expanded and diversified. In 1856, Mackinnon at age 34, founded the Calcutta & Burmah Steam Navigation Company (C&B) and secured from the East India Company the contract for carrying the mails between Calcutta and Rangoon. Further, he incorporated the company in London with a capital of £35,000, of which MMC invested £7,000, becoming agents for the new shipping line.