The royal charter that created Hudson’s Bay in 1670 is on its way to the auction block after Ontario Superior Court judge Peter Osborne approved a process that will see the document owned by the defunct retailer sold early next month. The auction will kick off with an $18-million joint bid from holding companies belonging to two of Canada's wealthiest families, the Westons and Thomsons, who then plan to donate it to a group of four museums. (Nov. 21, 2025).