Research on Privately-Held Companies Basics

Learn how to research privately held companies and know where to go for information

Finding information about any company can be tricky at times, but it's even harder to research privately held companies. This is because, unlike publicly-held companies, privately held corporations aren't required to divulge their business information or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If you've never done company research before, how do you know what steps to take or where to look for information on privately held companies? There are actually a number of guides available online that will take you through the "Research on Privately-Held Companies Basics." Through these various resources, you'll learn where to go for company information, which you may need for a variety of reasons:

1. If you are interested in a career or have an interview at a privately held company, it's a good idea to do company research first to be prepared.

2. Before trying to sell products or services to privately held businesses, always research the company to gain an understanding of its business and how best to market to it.

3. If you are an investor, it's critical to do research on privately-held companies that offer investment opportunities before handing over any money.

 

Check out college library websites for the best tutorials on conducting company research

When a college student needs to do research, the first place he or she heads is the campus library. Because of this, college libraries usually have staff who teach students how to do research, and many make these tutorials available online. You'll find that many schools, from community colleges to prestigious universities, offer free online tutorials on how to research a company.
Try: Johns Hopkins University's Sheridan Libraries has a guide specifically dealing with private company research. The William and Joan Schreyer Business Library at Penn State offers a wealth of sources for company information. Finally, Moraine Valley Community College publishes an online company information research guide, with links to both print and Internet sources.

Visit websites with links to resources where you can find information on privately held companies

Instead of a step-by-step tutorial, some websites get right to the nitty-gritty by simply providing links to sources of company information. These are great if you already know exactly what you are looking for and just want to find the information quickly.
Try: Resumagic.com provides an excellent list of websites with public and privately held company information. The Virtual Chase's comprehensive research guide covers everything from court records to public opinions, and even gives access to helpful articles on conducting company research.

Sign up for a workshop or seminar that will teach you how to research privately held companies

Sometimes taking an online workshop, or webinar, is the best option, as it allows you the opportunity to learn hands-on while being able to ask questions. Keep in mind there are registration costs to take research seminars but they may be tax-deductible.
Try: Register for the 90-minute web seminar, "Researching Privately-Held Companies," through ShareTraining. The Office of Continuing Education at Simmons College teaches search strategies for company research in an online workshop, as well.

 

• If you discover that doing research on privately-held companies is too time-intensive or you're having trouble finding information, keep in mind there are numerous research businesses that will do the work for you for a fee.

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