Companies

Sohu — Chinese Internet portal, search and media company Sohu Sohu is a Beijing-based Chinese internet company founded in 1996 by Charles Zhang. Known for its web portal, search technology spin-off Sogou and the Sogou Pinyin input method, it…

Solomon Airlines Solomon Airlines, founded in 1962, is the national carrier of the Solomon Islands. It provides domestic inter-island services and scheduled international flights linking the countr…

Somerfield: British supermarket chain and its history Somerfield Somerfield was a UK supermarket and convenience store chain founded in 1875. It operated small-to-medium food stores and was acquired by the Co-operative Group in early 2009, leadi…

Sonic Drive-In (Sonic Corp.) Sonic Drive-In Sonic Drive-In is an American drive-in fast-food chain founded in 1953, known for carhop service, extensive beverage options and nostalgic drive-in architecture; headquartered in O…

Sonic Team (Sega CS R&D No. 2) Sonic Team Sonic Team is Sega’s flagship game development group, best known for creating the Sonic the Hedgehog series and for pioneering 3D platforming and online console RPGs.

Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson was a joint venture between Sony and Ericsson (founded 2001) that designed mobile handsets, notable for Walkman and Cyber-shot phone lines and early smartphone develo…

Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment is one of the world’s major recorded music companies, controlled by Sony Corporation of America and operating global labels such as Columbia, RCA and Epic.

Sony Music Latin Sony Music Latin is Sony Music Entertainment's Latin-focused label, based in Miami. It develops, markets and distributes Spanish- and Portuguese-language popular music across genre…

Sony Pictures Animation Overview of Sony Pictures Animation: history, notable films, production partnerships, technology, distribution and critical reception within Sony Pictures Entertainment.

South African Airways — South Africa's national airline South African Airways Overview of South African Airways, the country's flag carrier since 1934: history, operations, hub in Johannesburg, significance, and notable features and challenges in modern avia…

South Eastern Railway (UK) Independent railway company in south‑eastern England (1836–1922) that built and operated routes from London to Dover and a network across Kent, Sussex and suburbs of London.

South West Trains: former UK passenger train operator (1996–2017) South West Trains Overview of South West Trains, the Stagecoach-owned operator that ran commuter and regional services from London Waterloo to destinations across south-west England and the Isle of…

Southampton Corporation Tramways Municipal tram system operating in Southampton from 1879 to 1949, which transitioned from horse-drawn vehicles to electric trams and served the city, docks, and suburbs before bein…

Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway): Overview of the UK regional train operator Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway) Southern is a regional train operator in south-east England, operating commuter and regional services around London, Sussex and Kent. It is part of the Govia Thameslink Railway gro…

Southwest Airlines Major U.S. low-cost carrier headquartered in Dallas, Texas; known for single-type Boeing 737 fleet, low-fare model, point-to-point routes, and a prominent role at Dallas Love Field…

Southwestern Bell: Regional telecommunications provider and history Southwestern Bell Southwestern Bell, a regional Bell operating company serving the south-central US, provides local telephone and broadband services across several states and is a subsidiary of AT&T…

SpaceX: American aerospace company, launch services, and satellite network SpaceX SpaceX is a U.S. aerospace manufacturer and launch provider founded in 2002, known for reusable rockets, the Dragon spacecraft, the Starlink internet constellation and development…

Spanair — Catalonia-based Spanish airline (ceased operations 2012) Spanair Spanair was a Catalonia-based carrier operating from Barcelona with services across Spain and Europe. It was a Star Alliance member and suspended operations on 27 January 2012 amid…

Specialty Records: Los Angeles Rhythm & Blues and Early Rock Label Specialty Records Specialty Records, founded by Art Rupe in 1946 in Los Angeles, was a key independent label for R&B, gospel and early rock and roll. It is known for energetic recordings and later r…

Spirit AeroSystems: major aerostructures manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems Overview of Spirit AeroSystems, a leading first-tier aerostructures supplier based in Wichita, Kansas: products, history, role in commercial aerospace supply chains, competitors an…

Spirit Airlines — American ultra low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines is an American ultra low-cost carrier with its largest hub in Fort Lauderdale. It serves 57 cities across the Americas and focuses on very low base fares with optio…

Spotify — digital music streaming service Spotify Overview of Spotify: origins, features, business model, availability, cultural impact, and notable distinctions of the music streaming platform founded by Daniel Ek and Martin Lore…

Sprint Corporation — U.S. Telecommunications Carrier and Its Evolution Sprint Corporation Sprint was a major U.S. telecommunications company based in Overland Park, Kansas, known for wireless service, a history of mergers (including Nextel) and its 2020 merger into T‑Mo…

Sprite (lemon‑lime soft drink) Sprite Sprite is a clear, lemon‑lime flavored, caffeine‑free soft drink produced by The Coca‑Cola Company, introduced in the early 1960s. Available in regular and low‑calorie varieties an…

Spyglass Entertainment: overview of the film and television production company Spyglass Entertainment Independent film and television production firm founded in the late 1990s; known for commercial feature films, studio distribution partnerships and a production-first business mode…

Square Enix — Japanese video game developer, publisher and media company Square Enix Square Enix is a Tokyo-based company formed by the 2003 merger of Square and Enix. It develops and publishes video games, manga and related media, best known for major role-playing…

SriLankan Airlines: Sri Lanka’s National Carrier SriLankan Airlines SriLankan Airlines is the flag carrier of Sri Lanka, operating regional and long‑haul services from its hub at Bandaranaike International Airport. It is a member of the oneworld al…

SST Records Independent American record label founded by Greg Ginn in 1978; released Black Flag and influential 1980s underground rock acts and helped shape the punk/alternative independent sc…

Stagecoach Group plc Stagecoach Group A multinational public transport company founded in Scotland in 1980, operating buses, coaches, trams, trains and ferries across the UK and North America.

Stanley Motor Carriage Company and the Stanley Steamer Stanley Motor Carriage Company American maker of steam-powered automobiles (Stanley Steamers), produced c.1896–1924; noted for smooth torque, early speed demonstrations, and preservation in museums and collectio…

Starbucks: history, products, store formats, and cultural impact Starbucks Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain known for espresso-based drinks, customizable beverages, retail merchandise and a recognizable brand. Founded in Seattle in 1971, it has tho…

Startup company: definition, characteristics, funding, and impact Startup company An independent, fast-growing enterprise created to pursue scalable market opportunities through innovation. Covers traits, history, funding stages, methods, and notable outcomes li…

State Farm Insurance: Overview, History, Products, and Market Presence State Farm Insurance State Farm is a large US-based insurance company headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, offering auto, home, life, banking and business coverage across the United States and Canad…

Stax Records: The Memphis Soul Label and Its Musical Legacy Stax Records Stax Records, founded in Memphis, shaped Southern soul and R&B with an integrated house band (Booker T. & the M.G.'s) and artists such as Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett.

Steinway & Sons: history, design, and cultural influence Steinway & Sons Steinway & Sons is a renowned American–German piano maker founded in 1853. The company is known for handcrafted concert pianos, technical innovations, and a dominant position in th…

Stewart‑Haas Racing Stewart-Haas Racing Stewart‑Haas Racing is an American professional stock‑car racing team co‑owned by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas. It competes in top NASCAR national series, develops drivers and has wo…

Stora Enso: Nordic pulp, paper and biomaterials company Stora Enso Stora Enso is a Finnish–Swedish forest industry company producing pulp, paper and biomaterials. Formed by a 1998 merger, it is a major global producer with headquarters in Helsinki…

Studebaker — American wagon maker turned automobile manufacturer Studebaker Studebaker began as a 19th-century wagon maker in South Bend, Indiana, and became a noted U.S. automobile producer until its closure in 1966. Known for early innovation, distinctiv…

Studio B Productions Studio B Productions was a Canadian animation studio known for producing and co‑producing children's animated television series and related media; later absorbed into the DHX/WildB…

Studio Ghibli: Japan’s celebrated animation studio Studio Ghibli Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio known for hand-drawn feature films, imaginative storytelling, environmental and social themes, and international acclaim including an A…

Subaru: Japanese automaker known for boxer engines and all-wheel drive Subaru Subaru is a Japanese automobile marque noted for horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines and symmetrical all‑wheel drive. It has roots in Fuji Heavy Industries and builds vehicles in…

Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) Subaru Corporation Japanese manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, aerospace and industrial equipment; known for boxer engines, symmetrical AWD, and a history in aircraft and diversified industrial prod…

Subsidiary (company controlled by a parent company) Subsidiary A subsidiary is a separate legal company controlled by a parent. This article explains what subsidiaries are, how they differ from divisions and affiliates, ownership types, govern…

Subway (restaurant) Subway is an international fast-food franchise best known for customizable submarine sandwiches, salads and wraps. Founded in 1965, it is the largest restaurant chain by store coun…

Sukhoi: Russian combat aircraft designer and exporter Sukhoi Sukhoi is a major Russian aircraft manufacturer known for military fighters and experimental designs. This article summarizes its products, history, export role, and notable models…

Sun Country Airlines — U.S. low-fare and leisure carrier Sun Country Airlines Overview of Sun Country Airlines: origins, network, fleet and business model of the Minnesota-based low-fare carrier serving the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

Sun Microsystems: history, technologies, and legacy Sun Microsystems Sun Microsystems (1982–2010) was an influential American computer company that developed Unix-based systems, the SPARC architecture, Java, NFS and Solaris; it was acquired by Oracl…

Sunrise (Japanese animation studio) Sunrise (company) Sunrise is a prominent Japanese animation studio known for the Gundam franchise and other influential series. Founded in the early 1970s, it is noted for mecha, TV anime, and a col…