One of the main power groups in the Cularin system in the time leading up to the creation of the Empire, the Metatheran Cartel was a trade organization similar to the Trade Federation. It was formed when two member species of the Trade Federation, the Caarites and the Filordi, split off during the blockade of Naboo (31 BBY), fearing the consequences of the failure of that operation. The Caarites were the instigators of this split.