Company History
Experian started out in 1980 as CCN, a small information service established by the parent company GUS. CCN provided credit checking services and market intelligence to the GUS group, developing databases, analytical skills, and information systems on the consumer lending industry. In its first few years, it quickly helped GUS become the leading credit bureau in the UK.
Up to the mid-1990s, CCN expanded into other services such as direct marketing, micromarketing, credit account processing, and business information. This expansion allowed major lenders, particularly American ones that had entered the UK market, to obtain key services needed for emerging credit card programs. At the same time, the company was geographically expanding its office network to cities outside the UK.
By 1986, it had acquired Management Decision Systems, an American company, and expanded its services to the US. Services in Canada and Australia soon followed. Meanwhile, GUS was also establishing its presence in the US with a number of mergers and acquisitions. In 2006, the company officially separated from GUS and became Experian. By then, it had acquired a large number of consumer information and credit companies.
Today, Experian continues to expand its reach and services worldwide. Besides credit monitoring and reporting, it also offers marketing and analytical services to consumers and organizations. Among its key products are risk management assistance and consultancy services.