Abstract
The U.S. information industry is being subjected to increasing foreign penetration. This penetration takes four forms: (a) direct export of foreign produced information to the U.S.; (b) a joint venture with a U.S. partner; (c) taking an equity position in a U.S. firm; and (d) acquisition of a U.S. concern. The takeover trend is evident in primary publishing, secondary publishing, online service, support services and media. Foreign information firms active in the U.S. come from such countries as the United Kingdom, Federal Republic of Germany, Australia, Canada, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Japan. Reasons for the foreign acquisition and merger trend are noted, including government and industry policy and economic factors.