If you like learning about the history of companies you’re associated with then you’ll love learning about Experian. The only major consumer credit bureau of the three that got its start in the United Kingdom, it has managed to build quite a reputation in the industry.
How Experian got Started:
Experian actually got its start as CCN, an information services business that was established in 1980 under the parent company, GUS in the United Kingdom. The company grew out of an internal department that provided checking facilities and marketing information to other parts of the GUS group. CCN was responsible for developing the databases, systems, and analytical skills needed to support consumer lending. It became the UK’s leading credit bureau.
Moving to the United States:
In 1986, CCN made its way to the United States with the acquisition of Management Decision Systems (MDS), which was a leading provider of decision analytics to the financial services industry. A decade later, CCN’s parent company, GUS, acquired the former TRW credit, decision analytics, direct marketing and real estate information businesses with further acquisitions of Direct Marketing Technologies and Metromail Corporation in subsequent years. These acquisitions secured Experian’s place as a leading global provider of information and decision analytics.
More Growth:
In the new millennium, the company has grown even more, taking on more strategic acquisitions, more than 50 overall. In 2002, Experian acquired ConsumerInfo.com, which helped to strengthen the company’s presence in the direct-to-consumer market and also helped to grow their interactive business. The following years, Experian acquired a large stake in Scorex, PriceGrabber.com, and ClarityBlue to help with database management and further build its interactive business; making it a global leader in information, analytical, and marketing services.
>> Learn the roles of the credit bearus and how it affects you.