This section is devoted to resources for those searching for information on companies that are not in the United States.
It doesn't include all resources and it doesn't include resources for all countries. Included here are subscription-based resources available at the Library, free sources, and those that have some information free but offer more detailed information for a fee. Some of the sources are good for information on a specific company, some are databases that cover a region and can be used for all types of research including research on companies. We have provided links to data sources that we do not subscribe to for informational purposes.
The amount of information available and the ease of access to sources is going to vary from country to country. It may be that looking at multiple databases, doing general Internet searching, and looking at their web page(s) is essential in order to gather information.
Many countries do have their own mechanisms for companies to register. This guide is not going to link to them all but we have included sources that may provide links to them. We have also included some information on how companies register.
The following external websites provide a starting place when researching non-U.S. companies.
You may also find the following lists of databases helpful in your research (the links below will browse the Library of Congress E-Resources Online Catalog (EROC) for databases under these categories):
The selected sources below include companies from all over the world and aren't just limited to a specific country. The subscription resources marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.
Search for companies by industry, including: agriculture (food and beverages), building and civil engineering, business services (consulting), ceramics, chemicals, education and training, electricity (electronics and nuclear), finance and insurance, handling (distribution, warehousing and packaging), hotels and restaurants, gifts, glass, heating (ventilation and air conditioning, and refrigeration), information technology, jewelry (precious stones and diamonds), mining and quarrying, machinery, measuring and testing equipment, metallurgy (metalworking and metal products), mineral products, office machinery and equipment, oil and gas, optical equipment, paper and cardboard, pharmaceuticals, printing and publishing, precision equipment, rubber and plastics, telecommunications, textiles (apparel/clothing, leather, footwear), travel goods, water and sewage (environmental services), and wood (furniture and wooden products).
The simultaneous user limit for this resource may result in temporary delays.
As of Nov. 2015 you can search for American and Foreign Companies together in one search and also see their domestic and foreign subsidiaries.