Identifying Competitors: Generate Lists of Companies
- ReferenceUSA This link opens in a new windowThis is a massive directory of American (13 million) and Canadian (1 million) businesses, compiled from public sources such as telephone directories; annual reports; the SEC; federal, state, provincial and municipal government data; business and trade publications, newspapers, and industry directories. Users may generate lists of companies based on criteria such as SIC, NAICS, or yellow page heading. Unlike other sources, ReferenceUSA will include very small private companies.
- 11 Minute Video on ReferenceUSAGenerate lists of companies, by industry and/or location, and then use the 'Chart' feature to sort and display the results.
The tools below allow users to generate their own lists of companies based on criteria such as industry, geographic location, and size.
For those who are looking for key competitors in a major industry, regardless of location, then most databases which provide company information also include a list of key competitors within the profile. To this end, in addition to the resources below, users should also the company profile resources in the Company Information Resource guide.
For those who are looking for key competitors in a major industry, regardless of location, then most databases which provide company information also include a list of key competitors within the profile. To this end, in addition to the resources below, users should also the company profile resources in the Company Information Resource guide.
- Mergent Online: Advanced Search. (3 simultaneous users)In the Advanced Search, use the tabs to generate a list of companies based on location, financials, ratios, stock pricing, or industry (SIC or NAICS).
- Business Insights This link opens in a new windowGo to the "Company Finder" tab to build a list of companies, based on location, industry, revenue, and number of employees. Use the "Comparison Charts to create a graph (or a table) comparing multiple companies (or industries).
- Mergent Intellect (Includes Hoovers First Research) This link opens in a new windowUse the Advanced Search for an input form which includes industry (SIC, NAICS), size (sales, employees), and location.
Website Directory of Products & Suppliers
- ThomasNetThis website, (free with registration), allows users to find manufacturers, service companies, or product suppliers. It is based on the multi-volume print directory known as the Thomas Register, and it has company listings on over 173,000 U.S. companies, offering everything from filter housings to steel ball bearings. A useful feature is the online supplier catalogs, that provide detailed buying information about a company's products or services; these online catalogs can be searched by company name or product group.
