Business Resources: Business Research Tips

Public or Private?
Is the company you are researching public or private?  Most business directories such as Dun & Bradstreet's Million Dollar Directory (Reference HC102 .D8) or the Hoover's Online directory will tell you this information.  It is generally easier to research a public company than it is to research a private company.  Publicly traded companies are legally required to file detailed financial reports with the Securities Exchange Commission.  These financial records can be searched via the EDGAR database.

Parent or Subsidiary?
With corporate mergers and takeovers taking place on a daily basis, it is difficult to keep track of who owns whom. LexisNexis' directory of Corporate Affiliations (Reference HG4057 .A217) the Hoover's Online directory will will provide selected parent and subsidiary information.  It is usually easier to research a parent company than a subsidiary.

Brand Name or Company Name?
Sometimes it is easy to confuse a brand name with a company name. Consult LexisNexis' Advertising Redbooks (Reference HF5805 .S715) or Gale's Companies and their Brands (Reference T223.V4 A253) before you start your research to make sure you are searching for the company not the brand.

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