Introduction
Do you ever find yourself wondering who owns a business? Whether you’re a job seeker researching a potential employer or a potential partner or investor inquiring about a business, finding out who owns a company can be a valuable piece of information. However, tracking down this information can sometimes be a difficult task. In this article, we will walk you through some of the most effective methods for discovering business ownership information.
Online Business Directories
Online business directories such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Google My Business are a great place to start when looking for the owner of a business. These directories compile information about local businesses, including their name, address, phone number, and website.
To begin your search, go to the online business directory of your choice and enter the name of the business you would like to research. From there, you should be able to find the company’s basic information. If you cannot find the name of the owner listed under the business profile, try searching for the business in quotes followed by the word “owner”. This can sometimes lead you to a news article or press release that mentions the owner’s name.
However, keep in mind that online business directories may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. Business owners can edit their own listing, which means they may opt-out of listing their own name. There is also no guarantee that the contact information provided is current, so it may be worthwhile to verify any information you find using other sources.
Business Registration Records
Business registration records are documents that companies must file with the Secretary of State’s office in order to legally operate. These records can provide valuable information about the owner of a business, including their name and address.
To access business registration records, go to the Secretary of State’s website for the state where the business is registered. From there, you should be able to search for the company’s name and view the associated records.
It is important to keep in mind that not all states provide this information online. If the information is not available through the website, you will need to physically visit the Secretary of State’s office to obtain the records. Additionally, it is important to note that simply because a person is listed as the registered owner on the business registration does not necessarily mean they are the current owner or in control of the business.
County Clerk’s Office
The county clerk’s office is responsible for keeping records of businesses that operate within the county. If business registration records are not available or are not updated, the county clerk’s office may be able to provide additional information about a business’s current owner.
To find out who owns a business through the county clerk’s office, visit the website of the county where the company is located and search for the “county clerk” section. From there, you may need to navigate to a specific department such as deeds or records.
If you are unable to locate the information online, you may also need to visit the county clerk’s office in person or reach out via email or phone. It is important to note that county clerk’s offices may charge a small fee for information requests.
Business Credit Reports
Business credit reports are similar to personal credit reports, with the exception that they focus on a business’s credit history and financial information. These reports can often include the names of the company’s owners as well as other relevant information about the business, such as its size and finances.
To obtain a business credit report, you will need to contact a credit reporting agency such as Experian or Dun & Bradstreet. These agencies may require you to provide some basic information about the business in question before providing a report.
It is important to note that requesting a business credit report can be expensive, and not every business is required to have one. Moreover, access to business credit reports may be limited to certain individuals or entities, so it may not be the most accessible option for everyone seeking business ownership information.
LinkedIn is a professional social media platform that can be a valuable tool for finding business-related information, including the names of company owners.
To search for a business on LinkedIn, simply enter the company’s name in the search bar and navigate to the “Companies” tab. From there, you can view the company’s profile and browse through its employees. If the owner of the business is listed on LinkedIn, they may appear in this list.
Remember that not every business will have a presence on LinkedIn, and even if they do, not every employee may be listed on the site. Additionally, there may be multiple owners listed for a given company, so it may require some further digging to determine who controls the business.
Private Investigator
If all else fails, consider hiring a private investigator to help you find the owner of a business. Private investigators have access to databases and resources that may not be available to the general public, and they may be able to uncover additional information that you cannot find on your own.
However, hiring a private investigator can be expensive, so it may not be the most practical option for everyone. It is also important to do your research and reach out to a reputable investigator who is licensed and experienced in finding business ownership information.
Conclusion
Finding the owner of a business can sometimes be a challenging task, but there are plenty of resources available to help you in your search. From online business directories to business registration records and beyond, there are a range of methods you can use to uncover ownership information about a company.
Remember to cross-check information you find across multiple sources to ensure you have an accurate understanding of the ownership structure of a business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, job seeker, or consumer, knowing who owns a business can be a valuable piece of information that can inform your decisions moving forward.
