The Continental Oil Company, commonly known as Conoco, was founded in 1875 in the United States. It initially focused on oil exploration and production, becoming one of the major players in the petroleum industry. Over the years, Conoco expanded its operations to include refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products. In 2002, Conoco merged with Phillips Petroleum Company, forming ConocoPhillips, which is now one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in the world. The company operates in various segments, including exploration, production, refining, and marketing, serving customers globally with a wide range of energy products.