dunfidlin,

thanks for the information.

For now I've given up on using the "Suggest" mode. I'm using this code a substitute,
Code:
    Private Sub CompanyToolStripComboBox_Enter(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles CompanyToolStripComboBox.Enter
        Me.CompanyToolStripComboBox.DroppedDown = True
    End Sub
    Private Sub CompanyToolStripComboBox_Leave(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles CompanyToolStripComboBox.Leave
        Me.CompanyToolStripComboBox.DroppedDown = False
    End Sub

    Private Sub CompanyToolStripComboBox_KeyPress(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.KeyPressEventArgs) Handles CompanyToolStripComboBox.KeyPress
        Me.CompanyToolStripComboBox.DroppedDown = True
    End Sub
The dropdown list uses the combobox font so if I set the font to a fixed width font, I can create nice columns.