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                                   EXHIBIT 5.1

                                Freeborn & Peters
                             311 South Wacker Drive
                                   Suite 3000
                             Chicago, Illinois 60606


June 15, 2000

Information Resources, Inc.
150 North Clinton Street
Chicago, Illinois  60661

         RE:  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement")
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, of the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as to 1,000,000 shares) (the
"Plan" and the "Shares" as appropriate). We have examined the proceedings taken
and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection
with the issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to the Plan.

         It is our opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in the manner
described in the Plan and pursuant to the agreement that accompanies each grant
under the Plan, will be legally and validly issued, fully-paid and
non-assessable.

         We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     FREEBORN & PETERS