There are two major points to consider when dealing with private companies. The first is that private company shares are not reported on any stock exchange. The second is that privately held companies are not required to report their financials to the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), making information difficult to find. 

The University Library System does have some business databases that can be useful when trying to find information on private companies. Specifically, Mergent Online, Business Insights: Global, and NexisUni can be helpful. 

Additionally, a research guide called Company Research @ Pitt has been developed that can help. There is a tab within this guide devoted to Private Companies that includes additional information about the databases mentioned above as well as other resources to consider for private company research.

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