annualreports.com is a free service that includes pdf or html version of annual reports.
most companies post their annual report online; check under "investor relations," and then "reports" or "financial reports."
for example:
the following sources will provide information such as addresses, company histories, subsidiaries officer, financial data and products.
did you know that nexis uni (formerly lexisnexis academic) includes company profiles?
how can you view company profiles?
you can also use nexis uni to generate lists of companies.
to create a list by geographic location:
a) nexis uni homepage - click the small "menu" link in the top left of the screen, beside the nexis uni logo.
b) choose the "company dossier" option.
c) at bottom of form, specify some geographic locations.
d) hit search
*small local companies will have little information. large public corporations will have more information.