# IHS, Inc.

> IHS Inc. was a global information, analytics and software company that supplied engineering standards, energy research, economic forecasts, automotive data and advisory services. Founded in 1959 and historically headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, it merged with Markit in 2016; IHS Markit was acquired by S&P Global in 2022. Its former engineering and automotive businesses subsequently became part of Accuris and Mobility Global, respectively.

- **Founded:** 1959
- **Headquarters:** Englewood, United States
- **Founders:** Richard O’Brien (Founder; led the original technical-catalog initiative at Rogers Publishing)
- **Products:** Vendor Specs Microfilm File, Engineering Workbench, IHS CERA, IHS Global Insight, IHS Automotive / Polk / CARFAX
- **Notable:** Began operating in 1959 and became publicly traded on the NYSE in 2005., Built fiscal 2015 revenue of approximately $2.18 billion, with 81% from subscriptions., Acquired R. L. Polk & Co., including CARFAX, for approximately $1.4 billion in 2013.

## Products & services

- **Vendor Specs Microfilm File** — Original indexed technical-product catalog service for aerospace engineers; later delivered electronically.
- **Engineering Workbench** — A platform for finding and managing engineering standards and technical knowledge; later part of Accuris. Documented in IHS Markit’s 2017 quick-start guide.
- **IHS CERA** — Energy-market research and strategic advice, added through the acquisition of Cambridge Energy Research Associates.
- **IHS Global Insight** — Economic, country-risk and industry forecasting, acquired with Global Insight in 2008.
- **IHS Automotive / Polk / CARFAX** — Vehicle production and sales forecasts, registration data and vehicle-history information; Polk and CARFAX were added in 2013.
- **IHS Jane’s** — Defense and security publications, equipment information and analysis; acquired in 2007. This is a historical portfolio entry.
- **IHS Connect** — Delivery platform for research, forecasts and analytics, listed among IHS products in the 2016 merger presentation.
- **Consulting and advisory services** — Industry-specific research and bespoke advice supporting investment, strategy and operational decisions.

## Achievements

- Began operating in 1959 and became publicly traded on the NYSE in 2005.
- Built fiscal 2015 revenue of approximately $2.18 billion, with 81% from subscriptions.
- Acquired R. L. Polk & Co., including CARFAX, for approximately $1.4 billion in 2013.
- Completed the merger with Markit on July 12, 2016.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — S&P Global completed the separation of its Mobility division as independent Mobility Global on July 1, 2026; its automotive portfolio includes businesses descended from IHS.
- **2024-04** — Accuris launched Engineering Workbench Professional, adding AI-powered technical search and micro-alerts to the engineering product lineage formerly within IHS.
- **2023-05** — S&P Global completed the $975 million cash sale of Engineering Solutions to KKR-managed funds; the business would operate as Accuris.
- **2022-02** — S&P Global completed its acquisition of IHS Markit on February 28, 2022. The fair value of consideration transferred was approximately $43.5 billion.

## Links

- Website: https://www.spglobal.com/en/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ihs-global-insight
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/IHSMarkit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHSMarkit

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/ihs-inc
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Last updated: 2026-10-17