Ipsos Acquires Understanding UnLtd.
"This is an important move for Ipsos in North America," said Didier Truchot. "Ipsos which has strong positions in qualitative research in Europe and Latin America has not developed a strong presence in qualitative research in North America. Qualitative research which is based on in-depth investigation among small groups or individuals and which can be used alone or to complement quantitative techniques has been growing strongly in the US over the last several years - the US qualitative research market reached 1.2 billion USD in 2004 -. Understanding UnLtd's major position in this field will significantly expand Ipsos' field of interest in North America, especially in its marketing research practice."
About Understanding UnLtd. Founded as a qualitative research firm in 1996, UU has expanded its capabilities to better serve its strong clients base by adding quantitative research in 2001 and by merging with Marketing Moms in 2003. UU is now a pre-eminent brand in US market research, providing high value added qualitative research which represents more than 90% of its activity.
Based in Cincinnati, UU employs approximately 40 people, including moderators located throughout the country, working with key clients from FMCG, Healthcare and Financial services sectors.
UU is managed by its two founders, Marilyn O'Brien and Denise Patton who will keep their position in the newly formed Ipsos Understanding UnLtd.
About Ipsos. Founded in 1975, Ipsos is the only international, listed, independent company controlled and managed by market research professionals. With offices in more than 40 countries, Ipsos is the third largest survey based research company globally.
This announcement which follows the acquisition of the leading British company Mori is part of Ipsos' strategy to accelerate growth through selected acquisitions which complement or extend Ipsos strengths in its five core specializations in order to service its broad client base in all key markets. Ipsos Group has recently reaffirmed that by 2007 it expects to have revenue of at least EUR 1 billion, with operating margin of over 10% on the current average exchange rate basis (1 EUR = 1.25 USD).
North America represents 35% of Ipsos consolidated activities with especially strong positions in advertising research (Ipsos ASI), forecasting (Ipsos Novaction and Vantis), market research (Ipsos Insight), customer relationship research (Ipsos Loyalty), and public opinion research (Ipsos Public Affairs).
Jim Smith, Chairman & CEO of Ipsos North America, said "the acquisition of Understanding UnLtd. represents an important expansion of our business in the US. Understanding UnLtd. is one of the most recognized qualitative research companies in all North American, and its addition to the Ipsos family will work synergistically with our current businesses and enable us to significantly expand the service we can provide to our clients."
"We are delighted to be joining Ipsos," said Denise Patton, co-founder of UU. "Ipsos has a great reputation in our industry for quality and service. Its strong market position and the support it will provide us will help us accelerate our growth over the next several years." Marilyn O'Brien added, "Our two companies are so similar in values and culture, that together we will be able to service clients in ways that we could not do alone."
NB: Ipsos announces today separately its 3rd quarter revenues.
For more information on this news release, please contact: Jim Smith Chairman & CEO Ipsos in North America 212.584.9250 [email protected]
Ipsos in North America Ipsos is one of the fastest growing market research companies in the U.S., market leader in Canada, and among the most trusted research brands in North America. With more than 1,300 professionals and support staff in the U.S. and Canada, Ipsos offers a suite of survey-based services--guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies--in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos companies offer a complete line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services.
Ipsos conducts polling on behalf of the Associated Press, the world's oldest and largest news organization.
In 2004, Ipsos generated e605.6 million ($752.8 million U.S.) in total revenues, of which 35% came from its North American operations. The Paris-based company was founded in 1975 and has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999.
To learn more, please visit www.ipsos-na.com.
Ipsos Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.
Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.
Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2004, Ipsos generated global revenues of e 605.6 million ($752.8 million U.S.).
Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.
