Conducting a company search is a fundamental part of business due diligence, whether you’re considering a partnership, investment, or competitive analysis. We frequently utilise company searches to gain insights into businesses’ operational and financial health. Understanding what a company search is and what information it provides is crucial for making informed business decisions. Here’s an overview.

1. What is a Company Search?

  • Overview: A company search provides detailed information about a company’s structure, operations, and compliance status. It’s a snapshot of a company’s official records as held by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or other relevant bodies.
  • Purpose: The search is used to verify a company’s legitimacy, assess financial stability, and understand its corporate history and governance.

2. Key Information Contained in a Company Search

  • Company Details: This includes the company’s name, Australian Company Number (ACN), Australian Business Number (ABN), registration date, and company type (e.g., Pty Ltd, public company).
  • Registered Office Address: The official address of the company which may differ from its business address.
  • Directors and Secretaries: Names and addresses of the company’s directors and secretaries, including appointment dates.
  • Share Structure: Information on share structure, including the number and type of shares issued.
  • Members (Shareholders): Details of the company’s members, including their names and the number of shares held.
  • Financial Information: Some company searches might include recent financial statements, although this is more common for public companies.
  • Company History: Historical data such as previous company names, changes in company details, or directorship changes.

3. Using Company Search in Business Analysis

  • Due Diligence: Company searches are crucial for due diligence processes, especially in mergers, acquisitions, or investments.
  • Risk Assessment: Understanding a company’s structure and history helps in assessing potential business risks.
  • Financial Health Analysis: For more comprehensive financial analysis, additional financial reports may be required, especially for private companies.

4. Limitations of Company Searches

  • Data Limitations: While company searches provide a wealth of information, they may not include detailed financial performance data, especially for private companies.
  • Up-to-Date Information: Ensure the search is recent, as company circumstances can change.

5. How to Conduct a Company Search

  • Online Platforms: Company searches can be conducted through various online platforms, often for a fee. ASIC’s website is a primary source for company information in Australia.
  • Professional Services: Accountants and legal professionals often have access to comprehensive databases for more detailed company searches.

6. Seeking Professional Guidance

  • Interpreting Data: It’s advisable to seek professional help from an accountant or legal advisor to accurately interpret the information obtained from a company search.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Professionals can provide insights on how this information impacts your business strategy and decision-making.


A company search is a valuable tool in the business world, offering crucial insights into a company’s structure, history, and compliance. Whether you’re vetting potential business partners, considering investments, or conducting competitive analysis, understanding the information from a company search is key. Partnering with professionals like accountants can provide deeper insights and guidance in interpreting this information for informed business decisions.