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Business Research: company information

Why company information?

The most common form of business research is company research, for example to:

  • prepare for a job interview
  • find contact information or a description of a company of interest
  • find out if a (competing) company has been in the news
  • find financial information about a company you want to do business with.

Depending on the type of information you are looking for, there are all kinds of databases that can give you company information.

A big advantage: All companies are registered with the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel in Dutch) or an international register similar to it. Companies are obliged to report certain information, but what they have to report depends on the company's form, size and legal form.

Information on public companies and public corporations is easiest to obtain, as they have an obligation to share more information with the public. With other companies, it is often more difficult to find information. But the tips and databases will help you on your way.

Where to search

Company website
Who knows more ins and outs about the company than the employees themselves? This is one of the most important sources of information. Use the company's official name to get to the right site. And maybe there is a parent company? This can also be interesting to research.

Search within the company's website for the following terms:

  • About (the company): to read their mission statement, or see a product description
  • News: for relevant press releases
  • Investor (Information): annual reports/ financial statements

Keep in mind that contributors describe the company from a positive, promotional perspective.

In the 'Databases' or 'Websites to check out' boxes on this page
Please note that small companies or newly established companies may be excluded from the search results in the databases. In this case, look for a website or news articles.

Databases

See also the tab Database help

Websites to check out

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