In 1751, one of Nicholas’ descendants, James Delamain, initiated a return to France and worked in the trade of the eaux-de-vie of Cognac. In 1759, he settled in Jarnac, where he began to understand its commercial advantages. Located on the banks of the Charente river, the city was on a prime waterway leading directly to coastal ports. Three years later, James partnered with his father-in-law, Jean-Isaac Ranson, who had an export company. A leader of trade with Ireland, Maison Ranson & Delamain became one of the most important trading companies of the era.