How Do I Build Lists of Competitors or Suppliers?

Several databases allow you to build lists of companies that have certain criteria. These examples focus on building a list based on industry. Review the Help links in the databases to find other tips or instructions.

Keep in Mind:
You may need to have the industry code for the type of company you are looking for. Using the codes will make sure you get all companies a particular industry. (How do I find SIC/NAICS codes?)

Search the Mint Global database:

This finds public and private companies. You can limit results to a specific countries, political or geographic world regions, states or provinces, and U.S. and Canadian counties.

1. Click on Companies, then Other search criteria
2. In the Location section, type in the region name or click Look up
   1. For U.S. or Canadian counties, clickLook up, and use the drop down menu at the top of the screen
3. Click on the blue Industry tab and search with key words or industry codes, or click on Look up

Search the LexisNexis Academic database:

This finds public and private companies. You can limit results to a specific Country/Region, State/Province, City, County, Postal Code, or Area Code.

1. Under the Companies tab at the left side of the screen, click on Dossier Create a Company List.
2. Select the type of company from the drop down menu, or leave All Companies to find public and private companies.
3. Enter the SIC code OR the NAICS code.
4. Check the Search Primary and Secondary SIC Codes radio button to increase your results.
5. Click on the + next to Geographic Location to further limit your results.
6. Click on the red Create button.
7. Click on the red Next: Customize List button.
8. Check the attributes you want in your list report. (For example: number of employees, key competitors, sales/revenue, market capitalization, etc.)
9. Click on the red Update Company List button.

Search the Passport (GMID) database:

1. Hover your mouse over Industries in the top menu
2. Select your industry
3. Under Review Top Companies, select from drop-down

          OR

1. Hover your mouse over Industries in the top menu
2. Select your industry
3. Under Analysis Finder select "Company Profiles" from the first drop-down menu and "World" from the second drop-down menu. Select a geographic region to see country selections.
4. Click Go.
5. Click on the company profile of your choice and then view the Related Industry Reports and Related Company Profiles options on the left
6. Examine these reports for sections on competitors

          OR

1. Hover your mouse over Industries in the top menu
2. Select your industry
3. Under Analysis Finder select "Global Reports" from the first drop-down menu and select World from the second drop-down menu
4. Click on the global briefing of your choice and then view the Related Industry Reports and Related Company Profiles options on the left
5. Examine these reports for sections on competitors

Search the Thomas Register web site:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select a Supplier Category
2. Limit results by selecting Locations Served on the left

          OR

1. Enter terms for service or products in the search box.
2. Select the Product/Service Category Match
3. Limit results by selecting Locations Served on the left