How to Find Out Who Owns a Business: Top Methods Explained

Whether you’re conducting market research, performing due diligence, or simply satisfying your curiosity, knowing the ownership of a company can provide valuable insights. As the interconnectivity increases, this information is more accessible than ever, but navigating the various methods and resources can be challenging.

Understanding Business Ownership Types

To find out who owns a business, it’s crucial to understand the different types of business ownership structures. Each structure has unique characteristics that affect how ownership information is recorded and accessed ^[1].

1. Sole Proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are the simplest form of business ownership. In this structure, one person owns and operates the business. There’s no legal separation between the owner and the business, meaning the owner has full control but bears all the risks^[2].

2. Partnerships

Partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing ownership. There are several types:

1. General Partnerships: All partners share equal responsibility and liability.
2. Limited Partnerships (LP): One general partner has unlimited liability, while others have limited liability.
3. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP): All partners have limited liability, often used by professionals like lawyers and accountants.

Partnership agreements usually detail ownership information, making it possible to search who owns the business through public records.

3. Corporations

Corporations are separate legal entities owned by shareholders. They offer the strongest protection from personal liability but have more complex ownership structures. There are two main types:

1. C-Corporations: Can have unlimited shareholders and are subject to corporate taxes.
2. S-Corporations: Limited to 75 shareholders and pass profits directly to owners for taxation.

Ownership information for corporations is typically available through state business registries ^[3].

4. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

LLCs combine elements of partnerships and corporations. They provide liability protection while allowing profits to pass through to owners for tax purposes. LLCs can have one or multiple owners, called members.

Government Resources for Business Ownership Information

When trying to find out who owns a business, government resources offer reliable and official information. These resources are available at federal, state, and local levels, providing a comprehensive approach to searching who owns a particular enterprise.

1. Federal Databases

The federal government maintains several databases that can help in identifying business ownership. One such resource is the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), a dataset intended for public access and use. This tool, maintained by the Small Business Administration (SBA), allows users to search for information about businesses registered with the SBA^[5].

2. State-Level Resources

State governments, particularly Secretary of State offices, are often the primary sources for business registration information. Most types of businesses, including LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, and corporations, are required to register with state governments before they begin operating ^[6].

To access this information:

1. Visit the official state government website for the relevant state.
2. Look for the Secretary of State’s office or a similar department.
3. Search for a business entity database or business search tool.
4. Enter the company name or other identifying information.

If the information isn’t readily available online, many states allow you to submit a public information request. This process might be called “Public Records Disclosure” and can often be done electronically, though some states may require mail submissions.

3. Local Government Records

Local government offices can also be valuable sources of information, especially for smaller businesses or those primarily operating within a specific locality. County clerk offices often maintain property records, which can reveal business ownership details.

To access local records:

1. Visit the county clerk’s office in person or check their website.
2. Request to view property records related to the business.
3. Look for representative signatures, names, and titles on official documents.

These government resources provide official, reliable information to help you determine who owns a business, supporting due diligence efforts and enhancing transparency in business relationships^[7].

Private Sector Tools and Services

1. Business Information Websites

For those seeking to find out who owns a business, private sector tools offer valuable resources. Business information websites aggregate data from various sources, providing comprehensive details about companies and their ownership.

These platforms often include features like company profiles, financial data, and ownership information. Users can search for specific businesses or browse by industry, location, or other criteria to gather the information they need ^[9].

2. Professional Networking Platforms

Professional networking sites have become indispensable tools for business research and networking. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network with over 610 million users in more than 200 countries, stands out as a primary resource ^[10].

It allows users to create personal and company pages, facilitating connections between professionals and businesses. Other platforms like Xing, which is popular in Europe, offer similar features and have a global reach.

These platforms often provide:

1. Company profiles with leadership information.
2. Industry-specific groups for networking.
3. Job postings and career opportunities.
4. Business news and updates.

3. Paid Search Services

For more in-depth business ownership information, paid search services offer advanced tools and databases^[12].

These services use advanced algorithms and data aggregation techniques to compile comprehensive business intelligence.

Key features of paid search services include:

1. Advanced search filters (e.g., industry, company size, job title).
2. Access to verified contact information.
3. Integration with CRM systems.
4. Regular database updates.

While these services come at a cost, they can be invaluable for B2B prospecting, market research, and due diligence processes. However, it’s crucial to use these platforms responsibly, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and respecting individuals’ preferences regarding their contact information.

By leveraging a combination of these private sector tools and services, individuals and businesses can gain valuable insights into company ownership and make informed decisions in their professional endeavors.

Is Business Ownership Information Important?

Uncovering business ownership information has become more accessible thanks to various resources and methods. Government databases, state-level resources, and local government records offer official and reliable data to help in the search.

These tools, combined with private sector services like business information websites and professional networking platforms, provide a comprehensive approach to finding out who owns a business.

The process of determining business ownership has a significant impact on market research, due diligence, and business relationships. By understanding different ownership structures and utilizing the available resources, individuals and companies can make well-informed decisions. Whether for professional or personal reasons, the ability to search who owns a business contributes to transparency and informed decision-making in the business world.

References

[1] gov- GOV.UK – Get information about a company. https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company

[2] open- Open Learning – Different types of business. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/money-business/business-strategy-studies/different-types-business/content-section-4

[3]  gov-Asic.gov Dealing with businesses and companies. https://asic.gov.au/for-business/small-business/protecting-your-small-business/dealing-with-businesses-and-companies/

[4] ontariabussinesscentral- Ontario Business Central – How To Find Out Who Owns a Business – https://www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca/blog/how-to-find-out-who-owns-a-business/

[5] investropedia – Investopedia – Shareholder (Stockholder): definition, rights, and types. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/shareholder.asp

[6]  inc-Inc.com – Family-Owned Businesses – https://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/family-owned-businesses.html

[7] -northwestregisteragent -Northwest Registered Agent – How to find LLC Owners. https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/llc/find-llc-owner

[8] emporia – Emporia – Types of Business Ownership – https://www.emporia.edu/documents/1737/Types_of_Business_Ownership.pdf

[9] bc – Province of British Columbia – Request business or organization records https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/managing-a-business/permits-licences/businesses-incorporated-companies/searches-certificates

[10] njportal – Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services: Business Records Service. https://www.njportal.com/DOR/businessrecords/

[11]  enterresource -EntreResource.com – How to find who owns a business  https://entreresource.com/how-to-find-who-owns-a-business/

[12] oregon – Oregon Secretary of State.  https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/find.aspx