Naftiran Trading Services (NTS) was established in Jersey, Channel Islands (United Kingdom) in 1991. The intention was to start trading crude oil and products, as well as to create a competitive opportunity for the investment in oil and gas projects, as well as to play an active role in world energy security. In June 2003, a decision was made by NICOs management to transfer the whole NTS activities to a newly established company named Naftiran Intertrade Co (Sàrl), in Lausanne, Switzerland.[2][3]
Petro Suisse Intertrade Company (SA), Hong Kong Intertrade, Noor Energy (Malaysia) Ltd and Petro Energy Intertrade (Dubai), all alleged front companies for NIOC/NICO, have been sanctioned by the United States in 2012.[6]
From 2005 to 2008, NICO's revenue increased by 50%, from $14.7 billion to $21.9 billion, while its net income rose from $129 million to $134 million.[4]
Petroiran Development Company (aka PetroIran or PEDCO) is a general offshore contractor. PEDCO was initially formed to be the Iranian partner of foreign contractors with a 10% share in each buy-back contract.
Iran has 10% joint-venture participation with BP and other foreign oil companies in Azerbaijani Shah Deniz gas field, producing 8 billion cubic meters of gas per year, worth up to a reported $2.4 billion per year.[4]
As at 2010, NICO is a shareholder in BP, holding 24,683,858 shares of the company, worth approximately $775 million, and representing 0.8% of the company's common stock.[4]
NICO also holds a 25.77% stake in Indian public sector fertilizer company Madras Fertilizers.[7]