LONDON, February 4 /PRNewswire/ -- International companies that are continuing to invest in new operations during the current period of recession are likely to emerge strongest and best-prepared for the global economic recovery, according to the latest report from FDI consulting and research specialist Oxford Intelligence. Who's Investing Now?, the latest in a series of Key Investor reports tracking the world's most prolific overseas investors, shows that, despite a climate of unprecedented economic gloom, with market commentators forecasting a drop in foreign direct investment of as much as 40 per cent in 2009, many of the world's leading companies are continuing to buck the trend and expand internationally.

The Who's Investing Now? report profiles 300 international companies - a mix of well-established players and the next generation of global investors - that have continued to expand overseas and that are currently planning future projects. It covers key sectors from aerospace to environmental technology, ICT to life sciences. Unsurprisingly, the US emerges as the major source of corporate investment, with 75 of the 300 companies profiled, followed by Germany (37), France (32) and the UK (28), while Japan, China and India lag behind.

Figures such as those released by UNCTAD in its Global Investment Trends Monitor in January 2010 have highlighted a predicted sharp decline - by as much as 41 per cent in developed countries - in foreign direct investment in 2009, said Oxford Intelligence Managing Director, Peter Lemagnen. However, Who's Investing Now? highlights that the outlook is not unreservedly gloomy. History has shown that companies that have continued to invest during a period of recession will be those emerging fastest and strongest from the downturn. This report highlights the key players that will be the companies to watch as the global economy rebounds.

Who's Investing Now? builds on Oxford Intelligence's detailed knowledge of the 4,000+ companies with which it has worked closely on corporate location projects and the 45,000+ companies tracked for international expansion potential. Coupled with its extensive company databases, the company is in a unique position to provide a critical assessment and appraisal of the world's most active investors. Each online company profile provides key contacts and addresses as well as a description of the company and its key activities, including: structure, headcount, financials, and major corporate developments and investments.

Website: http://www.oxint.com

http://www.oxint.com/Reports.cfm?return=Government

SOURCE: Oxford Intelligence (OI Ltd)

CONTACT: For more information, contact: Andrena Logue, Director ofResearch Consulting, Oxford Intelligence Tel: +44(0)1908-521477 Email:andrena.logue@oxint.com