Locating information on companies can be complex or simple depending on the kind of, or depth of information sought, and whether or not the company is public or private. In conducting a search, be sure to check a number of sources to ensure that the data located is accurate and to improve your chance of locating any information at all. Follow the general steps below when conducting company research.
Where should I start? The best place to start if you are looking for an address or phone number is with the Address and Phone Books page. If you are looking for more information, move on to the Company Profiles and Background section below. If you need financial details on what you know to be a public company, move on to the Financial Information section below.
If you are looking for more information than an address or phone number, then start with the resources on the Company Profiles page. The type of information contained within these resources will vary from source to source. They may include address and phone number, chief officers, product information, sales and employee figures, other basic financial information, and a brief history.
If a detailed corporate history is needed, refer to the Company Histories page.
Sometimes these resources will indicate that your company is a subsidiary, a division, or a parent company. If this occurs you may need to find out more information about the structure of your company. If your company is a subsidiary or division, your research may need to include the parent corporation. A key resource which will guide you to parent corporation names and provide an overall corporate structure is:
America's Corporate FamiliesNow that you have some basic information, it is time to find out how well the company is performing. To do this, refer to the Sources for Corporate Financial Data page. Business publications offer a wealth of financial information on publicly-held companies, but locating information on privately-held companies can be difficult. The same can hold true for subsidiaries of publicly held companies. This page will help you find financial information resources for both public and private companies.
Newspaper and periodical articles can provide extensive information on companies such as: research and development, mergers and acquisitions, advertising, and marketing to name just a few possibilities. Articles are often the best way to locate information on private companies. To find newspaper and periodical articles use the Company Activities & News page for resources.
If you need more information on doing Company Research, here are some other sources.
New York Public Library How To Find U.S. Company Information
Researching Companies Online
How to Learn About an Industry or a Specific CompanyAddresses and Phone Books | Industry Resources | Home Page