Finding inactive/dead companies on Datastream
One of the strengths of Datastream is that it provides historical data on inactive or dead companies, for example companies that are no longer listed following a takeover or merger.
When looking for inactive/dead companies you need to check your search status field because the Datastream Navigator default is for active companies only. In addition, you have to take care if there have been any name changes.
DS Navigator - including inactive companies (click to expand)
If you are unable to find a company when searching by name, the problem may be because of a name change. For example:
- Vodafone (dscode 953133) takes over Mannesmann (dscode 923256) - Nov 1999 (announced) to April 2000 (completed)
- Mannesmann changes its name to Vodafone AG (both dscode 923256) – Sept 2001
- Therefore the Mannesmann pre-takeover data is available through a Datastream series Vodafone AG (dscode 923256) that no longer has the Mannesmann name.
You can check a series using the Datastream variables PNAME (previous name) DNMC (date of last name change) and CA5 (last 5 corporate actions).
If you have information about a merger or takeover that includes a company ISIN or SEDOL code then you can use this rather than the name in your DS Navigator search.
This post updates the Nov 2010 Information on inactive companies (Datastream)
Thanks to Thomas Wilkinson for pointing out the problems in finding the historical data for Mannesmann before it was taken over.
