Umbrella Pharmaceutical

"Preserving the health of the people." - Company slogan

Umbrella was a large pharmaceutical conglomerate based in Europe which officially developed a wide range of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other derivative products such as food products. In addition, Umbrella developed and sold biological weapons and specialized in genetic engineering and related technology. Umbrella's sphere of influence even reached the United States Senate. Umbrella was a member on the executive board of the Global Pharmaceutical Consortium, and used its position to great extent in the development of bioweapons. The Umbrella logo consists of a octagon divided into twelve segments of red and white. Although the details are unclear, the design seems to be linked to the Spencer family's coat of arms. The company name of "Umbrella" is directly related to A company slogan; "Humanity's future is safe under our umbrella." 1

History

1960s-1967: Genesis

The genesis of the Umbrella Corporation began with Dr. Spencer and Dr. Ashford, two well-known nobles in Western nobility, along with the biochemist James Marcus. Originally, Ashford, the fifth-generation head of the prestigious Ashford family was conducting a search with Spencer in the 1960s on an existing unknown virus which could directly promote evolution in a living organism. The two were joined by Spencer's university colleague, Dr. Marcus. The three eventually ended up discovering the existence of a new viral strain. Through reading the "Survey Of Natural History" volumes penned by Henry Travis after being initially interested in the folklore contained within, Spencer hypothesised that the "Stairway to the Sun" flower in the rituals of the Ndipaya tribe held significance. After sharing this information with his compatriots, the three set out with an expedition team to search for this rare flower species in West Africa in September 1966. After three months of searching and staving off attacks from the Ndipaya, the expedition's efforts were rewarded on December 4, 1966 after the discovery of the Progenitor virus which inhabited the Sun flower, a virus which could alter and recombine the DNA of an organism. 2

They promptly returned to the United States with samples of the flower and began conducting immediate research. Marcus and his student Brandon Bailey left to attempt to mass-produce the Sun flower and culture the Progenitor virus. By 1967 however, the initial culture samples of Progenitor produced by the two in the US did not have any DNA-altering characteristic and cultivating the flower itself yielded no sign of the virus at all, showing that culturing of Progenitor was impossible outside of its natural habitat. 3

Spencer had taken initial samples of the virus cultured in Africa back to his newly-constructed private Arklay Research Facility in the Arklay Mountains, where he conducted human and plant experimentation with the virus. Two mutant strains of the virus were developed and administered to Jessica Trevor (TYPE-A) and Lisa Trevor (TYPE-B) on November 10, 1967. Jessica died from the A strain, whilst Lisa survived from the B strain but with severe defects. Jessica's body was buried while George Trevor himself died from starvation or dehydration in the mansion later. Lisa was maintained as the Arklay Research Facility's main test subject, and she received countless injections of the Progenitor virus and its many strains for two decades, gaining near-immortality in the process. 4 Meanwhile, Ashford left the team with samples of Progenitor to conduct his own research on the virus along with his son, Alexander Ashford.

1968: Foundation

On March 23, 1968, Spencer presented the idea of starting a pharmaceutical company to mask their bioweapons program to Marcus and his student Brandon Bailey. With the financial help of Ashford and the use of his own massive wealth, the corporation "Umbrella Pharmaceutical Incorporated" was established, with Spencer, Ashford and Marcus as its founders. Other prominent European noble families became involved with the company, such as the noble Henri family of French origin. 5

Research was still at a relative standstill due to the lack of the Progenitor virus, so Marcus and his student Bailey decided to return to Africa in April 1968. To accommodate this, Umbrella sent teams to take control over the land owned by the Ndipaya, including the Sun Garden were the Progenitor virus grew. In July that same year, Edward was killed in a laboratory accident due to infection from Progenitor. However, it is believed that he was murdered by Spencer. As a result, Spencer was able to acquire Ashford's share of the company. In August, Umbrella succeeded in chasing the Ndipaya off their land and taking control over half of the underground ruins where the Progenitor virus was located. Meanwhile, the Umbrella Management Training Facility was officially established. Marcus and Bailey initially prepared to depart for Africa, but under Spencer's incessant requests, Marcus was appointed as the first director. However, this was part of a plot by Spencer in an effort to minimize Marcus' standing in the company while increasing his own. 6

The Africa Research Facility was completed in 1969 with Bailey as chief researcher, allowing Progenitor to be cultivated and shipped to the rest of Umbrella's growing network of worldwide facilities. In November 1969, Alexander Ashford finished the renovation and building of the Umbrella Antarctic Base, as well as the Antarctic Research Facility which was based on designs from the Arklay Research Facility's mansion portion left behind by George Trevor. Here, he commenced the CODE: Veronica project. In 1971, the fruit of the project was bore with the twins Alfred Ashford and Alexia Ashford being born. Along with the Antarctic base, the Umbrella Antarctica division was officially established.

With its position in the Global Pharmaceutical Consortium executive board, Umbrella used the medicines and techniques developed by its fellow pharmaceutical companies and applied them to their own bioweapons research and development. They commissioned each of the respective companies to only partially develop certain medications so that they could not be traced to what was ultimately being developed. 

Meanwhile, Marcus conducted injection experiments with Progenitor on insect, amphibian and mammal-based creatures. 7 Furious after the experiment's failure, Marcus began to use company employees and executive candidates as test subjects for Progenitor. The total amount of deaths totalled around 20 people. The experiments were kept secret by Umbrella.

1977-1988: A Struggle of Power

On September 19, 1977, James Marcus finally discovered a new method for building a new virus type in an attempt to weaponize the Progenitor virus for military use-- using Progenitor as the base element and infusing it with leech DNA. This method would later lead to a breakthrough discovery that would revolutionise the course of biological weapons research. On January 13, 1978, Marcus successfully completed development of the first strain of the t-virus (Tyrant Virus) which would become the basis for B.O.W. development. Immediately following, Marcus created the first original B.O.W.s, launching a plan to surpass and replace Spencer as the head of the company and cement his position as Umbrella's preeminent scientist by announcing the t-virus at the next director's meeting. He became so involved with his research that he began to use company employees and executive trainees as test subjects for the Progenitor virus.

Marcus' plans were foiled by Spencer's own plot however. By using Albert Wesker and William Birkin, top students at the Management Training Facility that Marcus trusted, Spencer was able to acquire the t-virus for himself to further his own research. In July, the training facility was shut down and Wesker and Birkin transferred their t-virus research to the Arklay Research Facility, where they became chief researchers. 8 Marcus on the other hand continued his own research in the desolate and abandoned facility.

Alexia Ashford graduated at the top of her class from a prestigious university in 1982 at the age of 10, having the honour of being named valedictorian. She was offered the position as chief researcher by Umbrella (an action engineered by her father, Alexander), and was assigned to the Umbrella Antarctic Base where she conducted research into the t-virus, and eventually discovered the t-Veronica virus. Meanwhile, the Arklay B.O.W. research team had succeeded in stabilising the t-virus for developing B.O.W.s, producing the "Zombie" creature. The first biological weapon geared for combat was also developed, later known as the "Hunter". Meanwhile, Birkin began to view Alexia as a rival, leading him to become increasingly frustrated and eager to produce results but hampering experiments in the process. 9

In 1982, Alexia subjected her own father Alexander to an injection experiment with the t-Veronica virus. After the virus failed to adapt to his body and transformed him into a mindless monster, his mutated self was locked up in the basement of the Antarctic Base, with his sudden disappearance remaining unexplained. As a result, Alfred became the seventh-generation head of the Ashford family. A year later in December 1983, Alexia was declared dead following an accident during development of the t-Veronica virus. The virus and all the research was deemed lost by Umbrella, but in actuality, Alexia had administered the virus to herself and entered a cryogenic stasis in order to allow the virus to adapt to her body. To maintain the secrecy of this plan, it was reported that she had died due to accidental exposure to the virus. Meanwhile, Wesker began to research secondary exposure to the t-virus, and began to have reservations about Spencer's overall plans while Birkin became his normal self once more and resumed his research.

1988-1998: Consolidation

In the years following its establishment, Umbrella now had branches all over the globe and had become the leading supplier of pharmaceutical products in the world. The Umbrella Corporation became an ubiquitous supplier of an assortment of household medications. From pharmacies to convenience stores, their distribution routes were wide-ranging and Umbrella quickly became a household name. With its growing popularity, it extended its business into other areas including cosmetics, food products and chemicals. It had become No. 1 in business for its recruitment of producers, management and delivery personnel, largely due to its open-ended and equal-opportunity functions which removed any discrimination on the basis of race, sex or religion. While its public image grew in popularity, so did its dark underworld of biological weapons. In time, almost every industrialized nation on the globe became involved with Umbrella and its bioweapons, with the United States government being its top customer. Umbrella also supplied its B.O.W.s to guerilla groups and terrorists.

Marcus' Assassination

For a full decade, James Marcus worked in isolation beneath the Management Training Facility, captivated with his leeches. Meanwhile, after the B.O.W. research and t-virus project being conducted at the Arklay Research Facility had reached its Third Phase, certain voices within the company called loudly for Marcus' research to be shut down completely. At an unspecified date in 1988, in exchange for Spencer's money, Wesker and Birkin organized Marcus' assassination. A group of soldiers stormed Marcus' laboratory and opened fire, taking the doctor by surprise and mortally wounding him. As he lay dying, Wesker and Birkin approached him, and gloated about the success that they would now reap from his work. Marcus' body was dumped with the Queen Leech he was developing, and the results of his research (including the insect-based Eliminator, insect-based Plague Crawler and frog-based Lurker B.O.W.s) were analysed by an Umbrella research and considered for development. The Eliminator was considered for mass-production, but was scrapped at the last minute. The Plague Crawler was developed for a short time but halted when it was decided that it lacked intelligence as a B.O.W., and an order was given for all specimens to be destroyed. The Lurker was abandoned from the beginning. The Eliminator was considered for mass-production, but was scrapped at the last minute due to its limited abilities. Instead, the Umbrella research team concluded that humans were the most viable test subjects for B.O.W. development. In response, the Arklay B.O.W. research team under Birkin announced the Tyrant Plan, but suspended the program due to the lack of compatible test subjects. 10

Nemesis Project

Meanwhile, in an attempt to find methods to better control B.O.W.s and increase their intelligence (thus improving their effectiveness on the battlefield and capacity to follow orders), Umbrella Headquarters ordered all its subsidiary research facilities in Europe to begin research. In early 1988, the Sixth Research Facility in France had announced the "Nemesis Project" which included the use of genetically modified organic parasites to enhance a B.O.W., providing the intelligence and biological body for combat separately. Wesker and Birkin managed to acquire the initial prototype parasite specimen with the aid of Spencer, and injected it into Lisa Trevor. Initially, the parasite disappeared in her body, but further examination turned up interesting results. After making further refinements and bringing about mutation, Birkin discovered the basis for the G-virus from her DNA. 11

Tyrant Plan

In 1991, Umbrella gained new support in the form of ex-Soviet soldiers left over from the collapse of the U.S.S.R. One of these soldiers, Sergei Vladimir, came to Umbrella looking for work and would prove to be instrumental in the establishment of the Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service and Monitors. For years, Umbrella amassed a number of former soldiers, mercenaries, convicts and war criminals to serve as the basis of their private militia. It was also discovered that Sergei possessed the genetic match necessary for becoming a Tyrant after passing a primary test. In response, 10 clones of Sergei were created and turned over to Umbrella at the urging of fellow former Russian Special Forces; Nicholai Ginovaef. As a result, Sergei became an integral part of Umbrella's Tyrant research programs, rising through Umbrella's ranks as Spencer's right-hand man. With the specimens they required now provided, the Arklay Research Facility resumed the Tyrant program under Birkin and Wesker's initial leadership, producing the Proto Tyrant (T-001 Type), an initial failure, and Tyrant (T-002 Type). 

Javier Hidalgo

In 1991, a well known South American crime lord called Javier Hidalgo approached an Umbrella researcher whilst looking for a treatment for his fatally ill wife. After buying a t-virus variant from the researcher, he administered it to his wife and continued to buy samples of the virus. Despite his wife becoming a monster in the end and him losing trust with outsiders such as Umbrella, Javier continued to purchases virus strains and B.O.W.s from Umbrella over the next decade, becoming one of their top customers.

Raccoon City: Home Of Umbrella

With its sphere influence completely engulfing Raccoon City, Umbrella began construction of an expansive underground laboratory in 1991, with a large-scale chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing plant built over it as a disguise near the city limits. Spencer himself also gave the green light for William Birkin's G-virus project while Wesker transferred to the Umbrella Intelligence Department. In 1992, Umbrella solidified it's firm hold on Raccoon City by contributing funds for the refurbishment of the City Hall and Raccoon General Hospital. In 1993, Birkin transferred to the underground lab beneath Raccoon City to continue G-virus development, and entered regular meetings with police chief Brian Irons to ensure that the company's activities in the city would remain secret, beginning regular bribes with him in the process. Umbrella had contributed generously to the development of welfare, public service, public health and public orders of service in the city, gaining a large influence in the city's politics by lining the mayor's pockets. Under this umbrella, Raccoon City thrived. By 1998, 3 our of every 10 citizens in the city were employed by Umbrella in some form or another.

Meanwhile, Alfred Ashford graduated from a university in England and was installed as the director of the Umbrella Antarctic Base and Rockfort Island, eventually becoming an Umbrella executive. In December, the military training facility on Rockfort Island was established to train Anti-B.O.W. squad members and members of the Umbrella Special Forces. In 1994, B.O.W. research at the Arklay Research Facility continued with a researcher named John being transferred from the Chicago Research Facility in order to succeed Birkin as chief researcher. Alfred Ashford also constructed many facilities on Rockfort Island following the completion of the training facility, including a private mansion and a prison complex.

In 1996, mayor Michael Warren announced the "Bright Raccoon 21" plan of which Umbrella was the main sponsor, which included the establishment of the Raccoon City Police Department's Special Forces "S.T.A.R.S." team, which was formed by Albert Wesker, with Umbrella's generous donations making the formation of the unit possible. Umbrella contributed at least 50% of the funds for the entire project, establishing Umbrella's positive corporate image hoping for all possible doubt on it to fade away. Meanwhile, future Umbrella Special Forces agent HUNK received combat training on Rockfort Island.

Umbrella continued its illegal experiments, making countless experiments and improvements at the Arklay facility. Meanwhile, other branch facilities began using new discoveries to improve on the developments at Arklay. At some point, they successfully created their most highly developed B.O.W.-- Tyrant T-103 Type. The Arklay B.O.W. research team continued to produce countless B.O.W.s under Spencer's direction, and soon proposed the "T-A.L.O.S. Project" to Umbrella HQ as an alternative to the Nemesis Project as a means of developing a next-generation B.O.W. 12 In a mere 10 years, the corporation's scale and network had grown immensely on a global scale, such as the purchase of Sheena Island and building of a Waste Disposal Facility and Seabed Laboratory in the Atlantic Ocean.

In May 1997, a containment spill occurred in the Management Training Facility.

1998: Outbreak

Almost ten years after his assassination, the Queen Leech managed to "revive" James Marcus, inheriting his memories, will and personality and vowed revenge against Umbrella. In May 1998, the mysterious clone of Marcus attacked the Management Training Facility with an army of countless mutated leeches. On May 11, the very same clone caused a large-scale viral leak of the t-virus in the Arklay Research Facility. Three other facilities were also attacked, including the underground laboratory in Raccoon City, nearby factory and Arklay Treatment Plant. In response to the disaster, Umbrella formed the Raccoon Disaster Contingency Committee to evaluate the situation and determine the course of action. 13 The appearance of mutilated corpses throughout the Arklay Mountains and Raccoon Forest spurred panic amongst the citizens of Raccoon City, leaving the S.T.A.R.S. no choice but to intervene. Making up for this, Umbrella formulated a plan.

Mansion Incident

Around the same time, Wesker and Birkin ordered the "Reclamation Project", Umbrella's attempt to investigate and reclaim the Management Training Facility and bring it back under operation. The investigation was divided into two Investigation Units, with supplies and human resources divided between them and sent in. However, the first unit was wiped out by the B.O.W.s infesting the facility whilst the second unit was annihilated after the Queen Leech attacked the Ecliptic Express on July 23. A television conference was held which decided on the fate of the Arklay facility, with calls for its destruction being readily apparent. On July 22, the X-DAY order was sent out to Albert Wesker by Umbrella HQ, who were also using the opportunity to gather live combat data on the facility's B.O.W.s by pitting them against the Special Forces S.T.A.R.S. teams. 14 In response, Ozwell E. Spencer issued a letter to Sergei Vladimir calling for the retrieval of the T-A.L.O.S. prototype, thinking it a waste if it were lost in the destruction of the facility. 15 

Between July 23 and 25, a large amount of combat data far beyond what was anticipated was gathered from the B.O.W.s in the Arklay facility which ensured that Umbrella could improve upon their products. The damage caused by the betrayal of Albert Wesker was also minimized due to Sergei Vladimir locking out his access to the U.M.F.-013. While Umbrella succeeded in destroying the Arklay Research Facility, the virus had already begun to seep into the nearby Raccoon City.

The results from the mansion incident allowed Umbrella to make various improvements. Tyrant mass-production was commenced on Sheena Island, allowing for the mass sale of Tyrants as B.O.W.s. Umbrella research teams were also alerted by the inability to control the Tyrant during the mansion incident. In response, the France branch decided to utilize the Nemesis Project with the administration of the Nemesis parasite to a mass-produced Tyrant, producing the Nemesis-T Type. The B.O.W. development team on Sheena Island also devised another improved form of Tyrant-- the Hypnos-T Type, developed through the artificial Hypnos Gene. Improvements were also made to the Hunter B.O.W. using the data acquired from the mansion, with the Chicago branch developing the Hunter B and a European branch developing the Hunter Y.

On August 20, Umbrella deemed Morpheus D. Duvall, the head of one of the sections of the Paris branch's R&D department responsible for a "serious mistake" which led to the outbreak in the Arklay Research Facility. This action led Morpheus to go underground and plot against Umbrella. 16

At some point, Ozwell E. Spencer bought an abandoned chemical plant previously owned by the Russian government in the Caucasus region of Southern Russia, investing foreign capital into the construction of an expansive underground research facility.

Raccoon City Incident

Only a few days after the mansion incident, the P-12A Incineration Facility became completely unable to process the growing level of waste material and guinea pigs from Birkin's laboratory and subsequently became infected with a new mutation of the t-virus. As a result, the infected material and guinea pig bodies began to seep into the soil surrounding the facility, slowly spreading the virus further. Escaped creatures from the Arklay Research Facility also continued to roam Raccoon Forest, with new creatures being born as a result of secondary t-virus infection such as the Mega Bite. The abandoned private hospital in Raccoon Forest had also produced a new human/plant hybrid "Green Zombie" creature as well as infected plant life. 

By September 1998, William Birkin had come to disagree with a number of Umbrella executives within Umbrella HQ. In response, Birkin planned to abandon Umbrella and turn himself and his research over to the US government. Initially, Umbrella deployed spies to Birkin's laboratory to retrieve the G-virus only for the spies to find themselves the victims of Brian Irons. As a last resort, Christine Henri, an executive in the France branch of Umbrella, ordered two teams of the Umbrella Special Forces led by HUNK to infiltrate Birkin's laboratory on September 20 and retrieve the G-virus through force. On September 23, the team approached Birkin in his lab at gunpoint. In a short confrontation, they retrieved the case containing samples of both the t-virus and G-virus and made their way through the sewers. However, Birkin had a sample of the virus himself, and promptly injected himself with it and mutated into a monster known only as "G". After tracking his assassins to the sewers and acting on his last shred of human will, Birkin decimated every single member with only two survivors, smashing the t-virus capsules in the process. The spilled t-virus was eaten by the many rodents in the sewer, and the virus quickly spread throughout the city with them as a vector. 

Beginning on September 24, Raccoon City was completely consumed by the t-virus. Hideous monstrosities roamed the streets, and the majority of the city's population of 100,000 were transformed into Zombies. Even more civilians from another city were infected due to a football match taking place at the time of the outbreak. Using the opportunity, Umbrella dispatched the U.B.C.S. with several Monitors on September 26 to be used as test subjects to gather combat data against the many B.O.W.s and secondary infectants in the city, with Zombies as the primary subject of their investigation. Umbrella also dispatched the experimental Nemesis-T Type to eliminate the surviving S.T.A.R.S. members so combat data could be collected on it, and also deployed about 20 Hunter B bodies into the city via truck on September 30.

At some point, a small U.B.C.S. team was dispatched to find Dr. Cameron. Umbrella also sought to carry out many other objectives within the city, such as the destruction of key facilities with evidence of Umbrella's involvement, retrieval or destruction of important documents, recover samples from the Umbrella laboratories and finally; assassination. Nicholai Ginovaef, the last surviving Monitor in the incident after murdering the rest, successfully blew up the Raccoon General Hospital and Raccoon University, while assassinating rogue former Umbrella researcher Greg Mueller. At the same time, Umbrella also dispatched a second Special Forces squad into the city. However, the commander of the squad, Senior Captain Rodriguez, instead betrayed Umbrella and stole a valuable B.O.W. specimen known as "Nyx". In response, Umbrella issued an order to lowly officer Tommy Nielsen to retrieve the specimen.

On September 29, control of a certain helicopter was transferred to Sergei Vladimir. From this helicopter, five Tyrants were deployed to the P-12A Incineration Facility to annihilate a team of US Army Special Forces sent to retrieve the G-virus and gain custody of Umbrella researchers while a sixth Tyrant was deployed to the R.P.D. and tasked with retrieving the G-virus from the pendant belonging to Sherry Birkin. Sergei also sought to retrieve the U.M.F.-013. At dawn on September 30, HUNK managed to successfully escape Raccoon City with the G-virus in tow.

Eventually on October 1, the US President and Senate decided on bombing Raccoon City in the form of Mission Code: XX (Sterilization), an order Umbrella put forward with its influence in the Senate but managed to delay until dawn on October 1 to fully complete its operations within the city. As the sun rose, the US Army launched a missile armed with an experimental warhead at Raccoon City, wiping it off the face of the earth. Just prior to the missile touchdown, Sergei Vladimir escaped with the U.M.F.-013.

1998-2004: Folding Umbrella

Immediately following the Raccoon City incident, ripples were sent through the US government as they launched an international enquiry into the Umbrella Corporation, eventually bringing them to the Supreme Court. Umbrella was faced with many more lawsuits from many different institutions, public or otherwise. Meanwhile, they began preparing themselves for a revival. To accommodate this, Umbrella set up "hangars" in remote regions throughout the world to store their viral agents, anti-bodies, and B.O.W.s in stasis. Cargo ships were also utilized to transport their B.O.W.s, with its customers shifting from state governments and militaries to conflict regions, rogue states and terrorists. However, numerous anti-Umbrella organizations and activists began to crop up and public opinion of the company began to fall. 17

Sheena Island Incident

Immediately after the Raccoon City incident, Leon S. Kennedy, who survived the disaster, became an agent for the US Intelligence Department and immediately began conducting his own investigation into Umbrella as a one man anti-Umbrella unit. In the process, he requested that his friend; private detective Ark Thompson, investigate the Umbrella-owned Sheena Island. In the process, the commander of the island grew extremely suspicious after murdering several teenagers being used as guinea pigs. The citizens of the island also planned to report him to Umbrella HQ, an action which eventually led to their demise as an enraged Goldman leaked the virus throughout the island. In response, Umbrella dispatched the Umbrella Trashsweeper unit to eliminate all evidence and destroy the island. Although Ark Thompson managed to escape, the UT Commander succeeded in destroying the island. With this incident, Sheena Island lost the Tyrant Plant, the most important facility next to Umbrella HQ itself.

Rockfort Island Incident

Combat data retrieved from Raccoon City allowed Umbrella to make several new B.O.W. developments, such as the Gulp Worm and Black Widow B.O.W.s. On December 17, Claire Redfield, another survivor of Raccoon City, infiltrated the Paris Research Facility while searching for her lost brother, Chris, one of the surviving members of S.T.A.R.S. Her efforts were a failure, and she was captured after an intense chase. She was then transported and detained in the prison complex on Rockfort Island on December 27. At the very same time, the island was attacked by a private military force known as H.C.F., led by Albert Wesker. In less than a mere hour, the entire island was decimated and infected with the t-virus.

Not long after, the same occurred in Umbrella's facilities in the Antarctic, with the t-virus being leaked and the entire infrastructure of the facility crippled. Soon after, Chris Redfield became involved in the incident and Alexia Ashford was revived. After activating the self-destruct mechanism, Chris and Claire managed to escape from the facility. Wesker also managed to escape with the body of Steve Burnside, who carried the t-Veronica virus in his body.

Umbrella's stock plummeted after the US government issued an indefinite suspension of business decree to Umbrella preventing them from operating as a business on US soil, sending Umbrella USA into complete bankruptcy in February 1999. The US government did not come out unscathed, as the deep pockets of Ozwell E. Spencer ensured that the best lawyers and false testimonies money could buy would shift part of the blame for the incident to the US government. Survivors of the Raccoon City incident presented their testimonies, but the lack of evidence (most of which had been eradicated when Raccoon City was destroyed) and the withholding of testimony by government employees who feared being implicated made the case drag on without a conclusion for years. The government's status as Umbrella's previously top customer also did not help matters.

Meanwhile, the leak of the Hunter research data and existence of the Hunter II developed by Umbrella's rival company pressed the corporation into discontinuing the Hunter series. In order to replace the series, which was their top product on the B.O.W. market, they developed a replacement B.O.W. known as "Anubis".

At some point after the Raccoon City incident, the current Presidential administration came under heavy fire once its involvement with Umbrella was revealed. This led to the sudden resignation of the President and eventually, the new administration set up a completely reformed structure which heavily opposed Umbrella and biological weapons. The US government set up it's own anti-Umbrella task force within USSTRATCOM, charged with dealing with dangerous situations implicated by Umbrella employees or renegade elements of the company, the Anti-Umbrella Pursuit and Investigation Team.

Spencer Rain Incident

With Umbrella's B.O.W. program now largely underground and unable to operate in the US, the company began to use a private cruise ship, the Spencer Rain, to operate outside of national boundaries, allowing them to secretly present and auction off their B.O.W.s and viral agents. Meanwhile, Umbrella Europe continued its B.O.W. and virus research and development. One result of it culminated in the t+G-virus, developed by fusing a t-virus antibody with the G-virus at a molecular level by the Paris Research Facility. The first reagent, a failure, was used to develop the Tyrant 091. On September 18, 2002, the Paris Research Facility was attacked by a terrorist group led by Morpheus D. Duvall. In the process, three samples of the t-virus were stolen along with a sample of the newly-developed reagent 092 of the t+G-virus. 18

At the same time, secret auctions were being held on the Spencer Rain. On September 22, a bioterrorism incident took place on the ship after Morpheus and his group attacked and took control of the cruise liner. Morpheus then leaked the t-virus on the ship, infecting even his own men. After being injured in a grenade blast, Morpheus later injected himself with the t+G-virus and changed the ship's course to the Waste Disposal Facility in the Atlantic Ocean where his missile silo was constructed. Through the efforts of USSTRATCOM agent Bruce McGivern and Chinese agent Fongling, Morpheus was killed and the Waste Disposal Facility, Seabed Laboratory and Missile Silo were all destroyed. With the bio-terror incident on the Spencer Rain, Umbrella lost a lot of valuable samples and customers.

2003-2004: Dissolution

Umbrella's activities were now focused in one place: Russia. The attack on the Paris branch only a year prior and the loss of many of its most prominent customers and samples dealt a heavy blow to Umbrella. In response, Sergei Vladimir began to prepare for its revival, with the U.M.F.-013, RED QUEEN and T-A.L.O.S. playing key roles. However, on February 18, 2003, the facility was raided by Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine and their anti-Umbrella group, as well as a regional biohazard containment unit. Albert Wesker also led a one man assault on the facility in search of the U.M.F.-013-- Umbrella's infrastructure and database. Both parties succeeded in their goals, with Chris and Jill destroying T-A.L.O.S. and Wesker killing Sergei, backing up the summation of Umbrella on a disk and then wiping the U.M.F.-013 completely.

With Umbrella's ace-in-the-hole and entire infrastructure destroyed, the company's end was nigh. After Wesker presented anonymous evidence to the Supreme Court claiming to be close to Ozwell E. Spencer, Umbrella was declared guilty of all charges relating to the Raccoon City incident. Spencer became a fugitive, and the company effectively ceased to exist. The last element of Umbrella, its subsidiary company "Umbrella Japan", ceased to exist on March 10, 2004 following a meeting of the board of directors.

Divisions

Umbrella Europe

Headquartred in Paris, France. Umbrella Europe was the main division of the corporation. Umbrella Europe has at least eight research facilities under its jurisdiction, with additional jurisdiction over Sheena Island and the Waste Disposal Facility and Seabed Laboratory in the Atlantic Ocean. Umbrella Europe ceased operation completely after being declared guilty of all charges related to the Raccoon City incident around March 4, 2003.

Paris Branch

Comprised of the Paris Research Facility (Umbrella HQ), the Paris branch was the "heart" of Umbrella Europe. Since it was where the company HQ was located, all major decisions relating to business were made here. Its most noteworthy contribution to B.O.W. development was the creation of the t+G-virus.

France Branch

The secret France branch of Umbrella which includes the Sixth Research Facility was responsible for the Nemesis Project, as well as issuing the order for the retrieval of the G-virus from William Birkin on September 20, 1998.

Russia Branch

The newest and last branch of Umbrella, established in 1998. After purchasing a previously government-operated chemical plant in the Caucasus region of Southern Russia, foreign capital was invested by Ozwell E. Spencer into its renovation and the development of an expansive secret underground research facility, known as the Caucasus Research Facility. After the incident, the U.M.F.-013, RED QUEEN and T-A.L.O.S. development were all moved to this facility. It was responsible for the mass-production and sale of B.O.W.s following the Raccoon City incident, also supplying to the destabilised conflict regions throughout the world while awaiting the moment for Umbrella's rebirth. The commander of this branch was Sergei Vladimir. 19

Umbrella USA

One of the two key divisions that developed biological weapons for Umbrella. With operations throughout the United States, including Chicago Branch and Raccoon City Branch, Umbrella USA made many significant contributions towards Umbrella's B.O.W. program. With the destruction of Raccoon City and increasing pressure from the United States government, Umbrella USA was dissolved in February 1999 after their company stocks plummeted and the government issued an indefinite suspension of business decree to the company.

Raccoon City Branch

Arguably the most important branch belonging to Umbrella, based in the "Home of Umbrella" virtually owned by the corporation. Umbrella's foothold in Raccoon City was the city's main feature, with several laboratories, a manufacturing plant and even public institutions being bought and paid for by Umbrella.

Chicago Branch

The only other known branch of Umbrella USA, comprised of the Chicago Research Facility. Not much is known about its operations other than its involvement in B.O.W. development, having been responsible for the development of the Hunter B.

Umbrella Antarctica

Comprised of the Umbrella Antarctic Base and the Antarctic Research Facility located beneath it, this facility marked the center of Umbrella's operations in Antarctica. The division was established by Alexander Ashford, but was not officially established for the sale of products or chemicals, and was instead aimed purely at the development and transportation of B.O.W.s. Alexander also used the research facility to conduct the CODE: Veronica project. Due to this nature, it was not known to the public. Antarctica was chosen as an ideal location due to its remoteness and the lack of chance the viruses had to propogate under such extremes. It is often referred to as the "South Pole Branch".

Umbrella Africa

The African division of Umbrella was set up officially in 1969 following the completion of the Africa Research Facility and was situated at the site of the location of the Progenitor virus. It was primarily responsible for the cultivation and shipping of Progenitor samples to the rest of Umbrella's research facilities and laboratories around the world. The director of the division was Brandon Bailey, the chief researcher of the research team responsible for the discovery of the Progenitor virus. Eventually, facilities such as Umbrella Plant 57 were established throughout Africa to accomodate actual B.O.W. research and development.

West Africa Branch

The most secretive branch belonging to Umbrella. Although it has public facilities under its jurisdiction such as Umbrella Plant 57, its most secretive element is the location of the Progenitor virus. As such, the Africa Research Facility was only known to the three founders of Umbrella, a handful of Level 9 and Level 10 Umbrella employees, executives, and the researchers that actually worked in it.

Subsidiaries

Umbrella Japan

Established in 1984 as Umbrella Japan Co., Ltd, this division of the company was created for the import and sale of chemicals that had been developed in the United States. In 1987, the Japan Research Facility was constructed with the intent of carrying out further research, focusing on utilizing biotechnology, original research and enhancing development of products. Umbrella Japan soon found itself to be the final operating division of the company. A meeting with the board of directors on March 10th, 2004 determined the division's fate. On March 14th, 2004, Umbrella Japan ceased operation and closed its doors.

Umbrella Asia

Not much is known about the Asian division of Umbrella, but it is assumed to have operated in similar capacity as Umbrella Japan.

Security Divisions

Information Department

In order to keep themselves informed and reach out into other fields, Umbrella placed many spies and operatives throughout law enforcement agencies and other government institutions. Prime examples included the Raccoon City Police Department, and S.T.A.R.S.. Realising that he had reached his limits as a researcher, Wesker requested a transfer to Umbrella's Information Department and later was instated as the captain of S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team in Raccoon City. Umbrella's intelligence service even went as far as the US government and the Senate.

Monitors

Monitors were agents which operated as part of an internal espionage agency within the company. The purpose of this organization was to allow Umbrella executives to keep tabs on employees of the company and to help root out any potential rogue elements. They also specialised in corporate sabotage, assassinations, recovery and destruction. Nicholai Ginovaef was a prominent Monitor. 20

Paramilitaries

Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service

Established by Sergei Vladimir sometime following his arrival at Umbrella in the early 1990s. From the outset, the U.B.C.S. operated as the paramilitary arm of Umbrella. To the public eye, they were dispatched by Umbrella in response to V.I.P. abduction, corporate terrorism and handling biohazard outbreaks caused by "illegal" products. Commonly, they are also tasked with the rescue of civilians and Umbrella affiliates. In truth however, the UBCS was intended to be used as cannon fodder against Umbrella's creations in order to test their effectiveness against armed military targets in a live combat scenario. From this, Umbrella would be able to acquire combat data with which they could use to improve upon their products. The vast majority of the U.B.C.S. was composed of mercenaries and war criminals, men who had nothing to lose and were expendable in the eyes of Umbrella and the world. The U.B.C.S. became the largest testbed for Umbrella's creations and biological weapons. Combat data was collected by the Monitors. Small units of the U.B.C.S. were commonly used in more important missions. They are still used as cannon fodder in these missions however, and serve mainly to provide backup and armed support, as well as security detail and general maintenance to high-ranking employees. 21

Umbrella Security Service

The Umbrella Security Service, otherwise known as the Umbrella Special Forces, was the elite paramilitary unit consisting of professional agents that Umbrella had used for its most secret of operations. It was a private unit which operated under the direct control of Umbrella executives. The U.S.S. were primarily trained on the military training facility on Rockfort Island. Like the U.B.C.S., the U.S.S. was not under direct command of any specific division or branch of Umbrella, being one of the few assets the company at large was able to use independently. All top executives of each Umbrella branch were able to utilize the U.S.S. 22

Anti-B.O.W. Squad

Trained on Rockfort Island, the Anti-B.O.W. Squad was a special military force maintained by Umbrella to help combat their out of control B.O.W.s in cases of emergency, such as in testing, training or research facilities.

Weapons Department

Umbrella Industry

Umbrella maintained a weapons department, known as "Umbrella Industry" which developed numerous weapons used in the handling of B.O.W.s, such as the Flamethrower, Spark Shot, Mine Thrower and Linear Launcher. Custom weapons such as the custom magnum issued to some Umbrella personnel were also manufactured by the same division.

Products

Pharmaceuticals

Safsprin - "The common cure". A product used to fight off small-time infections such as the common cold.
Aqua Cure - A product that seems to be popular with women.
Adravil - An ointment used to instantly close open wounds. Umbrella's main, most effective pharmacutical product.
Uspirim - A headache and migraine treatment product.

Food Products

Umbrella Noodles - Noodles developed by Umbrella. Although they contain only 100 calories, they provide a full stomach.

Misc.

Umbrella also develops many other different products unrelated to pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.

Sunglasses - Commonly worn by Albert Wesker. They are normal sunglasses with "Property of Umbrella Corp." inscribed.
Umbrella - A standard umbrella, of which there are several different colours: gold, green, violet, sky-blue and silver among them. 

Footnotes

1. 1. The Umbrella Corporation Notes
2. 2. Marcus' Diary 1
3. 3. From Chief Researcher Brandon's Journal - No. 1
4. 4. Family Picture
5. 5. Memo on the Founding of Umbrella
6. 6. From Chief Researcher Brandon's Journal - No. 2
7. 7. B.O.W. Report
8. 8. Wesker's Report II - July 31, 1978
9. 9. Wesker's Report II - July 27, 1981
10. 10. Wesker's Report II - July 1, 1988
11. 11. Observation Note
12. 12. Talos Project Proposal
13. 13. FAX
14. 14. Mail to the Chief of Security
15. 15. Sealed Letter to Sergei Vladimir
16. 16. Dismissal Notice
17. 17. Umbrella Raccoon City Judgement
18. 18. Emergency FAX from Paris Branch
19. 19. Umbrella Russian Branch Notes
20. 20. Monitor Notes
21. 21. U.B.C.S. Notes
22. 22. Umbrella Special Forces