The world we live in has made it easier for US companies to do research on non-US companies and team up with these companies or businesses overseas. Before you start conducting business with a non-US company you should do research on the particular company or country that piques your interest so that you can be positive this is the company you want to invest in.

Before you begin to do your research on foreign business, it is important to note that whatever information you find may not be absolute. One of the reasons for this is that US websites on foreign companies may not provide as much information on the foreign company as going to the country website and researching the company from there. The US may have standards of disclosure that are different from foreign countries and the information you find may be limited. The reasons for foreign business analysis and research can include:

1. Searching for a job in a non-US company.

2. Looking to invest in non-US companies.

3. Doing research on various companies or businesses to compare to the US.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search Internet databases for information on foreign businesses

The Internet connects the world, so one of the best ways to find information is to visit a business site that gives information on foreign business. You can learn about a company without leaving your office.

I recommend: EBSCO is an online database that provides company profiles and country reports. It requires you to sign up in order to access the database. CorporationInformation is another online database that provides the top non-US companies, research assistance and exchange rates.

Read books on non-US companies

There is plenty of literature available from magazines to newspapers and journals that can give you valuable information. Purchasing various books will also assist in your research on foreign business companies. These books provide up-to-date and in depth profiles of US and foreign companies.

I recommend: Mergent International Manual and News Report, by Mergent Online, is a subscription that includes the monthly online report "News Report." It gives detailed description on thousands of companies worldwide. Hoover Handbooks supplies the researcher with an extensive list of company profiles.

Use foreign business research reports

Reports are another valued asset to your research on non-US businesses as they include company profiles, products and services, major competitors and history.

I recommend: Datamonitor offers company overviews and reports on over a thousand US and oversees companies. The US Exchange their company requires any foreign company that trades in it to file an annual report with Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can also research information on the country to go along with the specific company you are interested in. This information includes general country information, statistics and political risks. Various yearbooks and market reviews will help in this matter. This helps you to understand foreign companies within their cultural context.