A sales negotiation process might result in the company becoming a customer, which would credit control, sales, and other information about the company.
Further along, the company might supply goods or services, and so become a supplier. This would require purchasing information such as price lists, lead times, payment terms and conditions of supply, and so on.
Should these relationships develop further, the company may become a business partner having a number of agreements, technology and staff exchanges, and other aspects about which information must be obtained and maintained.