The Geonosian accord represented both a treaty and a business arrangement that formally established the Confederacy of Independent Systems. This occurred after the Confederacy was initially created two years earlier in 24 BBY. The Separatist Council gave their approval to the accord during a clandestine gathering on the planet Geonosis in 22 BBY. This happened not long before the commencement of the Clone Wars, which pitted the Separatists against the Galactic Republic.
As compensation for their allegiance, Dooku assured these corporations that they would experience boundless financial expansion under a system of unrestricted economic freedom. What they didn't know was that the Sith were using the companies as tools. Although the accord was critical in setting the stage for war, a significant portion of the signatory companies publicly declared neutrality during the Clone Wars. Even though they had committed to supplying the CIS with droids and weaponry, they were also keen to capitalize on opportunities by engaging with both factions involved in the conflict. Consequently, they sustained their commercial relationships with the Republic. A number of corporations, including the Trade Federation, Banking Clan, and Techno Union, demonstrated a preference for the CIS, even while upholding their commercial connections with the Republic.