EBSCO Inustries is a privately held, widely diversified corporation and the largest subscription agency in the world with headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. It was founded in 1944 by Elton B. Stephens (hence the EBSCO acronym Elton B Stephens COmpany). EBSCO is the largest privately held company in Alabama and one of the top 200 in the nation, based on revenues and employee numbers, according to Forbes Magazine . In 1997 sales surpassed $1 billion. In 2006 sales exceeded $2 billion. EBSCO is a diverse company which includes over 30 businesses: