International Business - Companies

World Guides and Directories

Most published information about international corporations is on large parent organizations and is arranged by country. So, you must determine whether the company is a parent company or a subsidiary and then find out in which country it is based. The type of information you need- - directory, background, financial, or rankings - - will also dictate your choice of source.

Remember:
Directories are more than just books. They usually include name, address, principal officers and directors, lines of business and other data, such as annual sales and number opf employees.

• Forbes Global 2000
  This is a list of the 2000 largest non-U.S. public companies ranked on a composite score for sales, profits, assets and market value.
• Fortune Global 500
  The biggest difference between the Fortune list and the Forbes list is that Fortune includes American businesses in its rankings.
• Hoover's Online
  Owned by Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, this free access site is one of the world's leading suppliers of business information. Its database contains statistics on more than 140 million companies in more than 200 countries. Access to its complete coverage is by subscription, but there is still very adequate information for no fee.
• ThomasGlobal
  Thomas Global is the most complete, up-to-date directory of global industrial suppliers and product information. Browse through their detailed list of industrial products and services to access companies within many categories.

Europe

Unlike the United States, privately held firms in Europe are generally required to file documents and forms with their country of origin. The information these documents reveal - finances, history, executives, related companies, etc. will vary. Certain documents for a given comapny may be displayed in the native language only.

• CAROL - European Company Annual Reports On-Line
  CAROL is an on-line service offering direct links to the financial pages of listed companies in Europe and the USA. CAROL provides direct access to companies’ balance sheets, profit & loss statements, financial highlights etc. Access is free of charge, but registration is necessary for access to annual reports.
• The European Business Directory
  A database of 500,000 companies selected from 33 European countries. Searchable by open-text entry, by activity sector, or by name of the company. Instructions and text are available in English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian. Company catalog and practical information links are provided.
• European Country Information Online
  
  Online access to detailed and accurate European company information direct from the source - each country's official register.

Latin America

• Latin American Network Information Center
  Maintained by the University of Texas, this site has information concerning companies in Latin America.

Canada

• Strategis
  Canada's Business Information Site. Includes company information. Created by Industry Canada, a department of the federal government promoting business in Canada.

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