Dates

• Existence: 1841-

Biography

Founded in 1841 by Lewis Tappan, the Mercantile Agency—later known as R.G. Dun and Company—was the first successful commercial reporting agency in America. The company pioneered the new industry of credit reporting, an important tool in the development of American commerce during the 19th century. Dun & Bradstreet resulted from the 1933 merger of R. G. Dun & Company and its chief competitor, J. M. Bradstreet & Company. It continues to be an innovator in business information into the 21st century.