Welcome to the UC Law SF guide on company research! This resource is designed to help you, as a law student, navigate the complex world of corporate information. Whether you're preparing for a case, conducting due diligence, or simply expanding your knowledge, understanding how to effectively research companies is essential.
In this guide, we'll cover the key resources and strategies for gathering comprehensive information about companies. You'll learn how to access and utilize public registries, databases, and online tools to find company filings, land records, and court documents from around the globe. These skills will enable you to analyze a company's financial health, market position, and operational history with confidence.
Ownership: Public companies are owned by shareholders who can buy and sell shares on public stock exchanges.
Disclosure: They are required to disclose financial and business information to the public, including quarterly earnings reports and other important data.
Examples: Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google are public companies.
Advantages: Access to capital markets for raising funds through the sale of stock or bonds.
Ownership: Private companies are owned by a small group of investors, such as the company's founders, management, or private investors.
Disclosure: They are not required to disclose financial information to the public.
Examples: Companies like Mars, Cargill, and Koch Industries are private companies.
Advantages: More control over business decisions and less regulatory scrutiny.
Definition: A subsidiary is a company that is controlled by another company, known as the parent company.
Ownership: The parent company owns more than 50% of the subsidiary's shares.
Disclosure: Subsidiaries may have to disclose financial information, depending on the regulations and the parent company's requirements.
Examples: Instagram is a subsidiary of Meta (formerly Facebook).
For more detailed information, you can check out these reliable sources:
