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WPP Insight Revenue Stalls as Group Plans Return to UK

Aug 30 2012

WPP has reported revenue up just 1.2% to £1.19bn in its consumer insight division in the first half of the year, while headline operating profit fell slightly to £84m. The group has also confirmed that following tax changes, it plans to move its HQ back to the UK from Ireland. More

Cambodian Office and Partner for TNS

Jun 15 2012

TNS has opened its first office in Cambodia, through a partnership with local market and social research firm MSD, which has a network of locations across the country. More

WPP Shareholders Reject CEO Pay Hike

Jun 13 2012

WPP shareholders have voted against a proposed 60% increase in CEO Sir Martin Sorrell's pay package. Separately, WPP says its Consumer Insight arm has been 'stable' in the first four months of 2012, with a 3.3% revenue rise adding to the group's £3.2 billion turnover. More

WPP Buys Into Automotive Data Firm Enprecis

Apr 30 2012

Kantar has paid around $1.2 million for a minority stake in online automotive customer feedback specialist Enprecis Inc. More

Strong Quarter for WPP - Less So for Insight

Apr 27 2012

WPP has reported first quarter revenues up 7.4% at constant currencies, to £2.39 bn. Organic revenue growth was 4.0%. However the consumer insight division once again lagged behind with revenues up 3.3% on a constant currency basis, or 1.3% excluding acquisitions. More

TNS and UNIMER Link for Central America Expansion

Feb 22 2012

TNS has signed an agreement with research agency UNIMER to expand its operation in Central America. More

TNS Hires El Naggar as CEO for North Africa

Feb 20 2012

Tamer El Naggar, the former CEO of Synovate Middle East & North Africa (MENA), has joined TNS as Chief Executive Officer of its North Africa business. More

TNS Hires Sarrazit for Global Brand/Comms Role

Jan 5 2012

In Miami, TNS has appointed former Synovate exec Franck Sarrazit as Global Director in the company's Brand & Communication practice, with a remit to support the development of its offer globally and a particular focus on the needs of clients in Latin America and the US. More

Grimwood Leaves ORC to Head TNS Financial Team

Dec 23 2011

After more than seventeen years at ORC International, Martin Grimwood has left to head the financial services team at TNS-RI. More

Jamie Hall to Retire as TNS Global Chairman

Dec 20 2011

TNS Global Chairman Jamie Hall is to retire next week, after nearly 30 years in the market research industry. More

TNS Names Wynberg CEO of Qual

Dec 15 2011

In the UK, TNS has appointed Rebecca Wynberg as CEO of its qualitative business. She returns to Kantar to take up her new role in January. More

Sorrell Delays Tax Return to UK

Dec 7 2011

WPP Chief Exec Sir Martin Sorrrell has told the UK government that its proposed tax reforms do not go far enough to lure his business back from Ireland to its original UK headquarters. More

TNS' Polish Firms to Merge

Nov 15 2011

In Poland, opinion and social research specialist TNS OBOP is to merge with ad hoc research provider TNS Pentor in early 2012. More

TNS Buys Remaining Shares in Poland's OBOP

Nov 7 2011

TNS has acquired the remainder of Polish firm OÅ“rodek Badania Opinii Publicznej sp.z.o.o. (OBOP) from Telewizja Polska S.A. (TVP), Poland's public broadcasting corporation. The research giant already owned 60% of the company. More

Insight Division Slows Up WPP Growth

Oct 28 2011

WPP has reported third quarter revenue of £2.46bn, representing like-for-like growth of 4.7%, but says its insight division grew much slower than any other, revenues rising less than 1%. More

Sharp Joins TNS in Global COO Role

Oct 17 2011

TNS has today announced the appointment of Kristin Sharp as global COO of its qualitative business, starting immediately. She joins from Ipsos' US qual division Understanding UnLtd, of which she was CEO and President. More

Kantar Acquires Remainder of Sri Lanka's LMRB

Oct 7 2011

WPP's consumer insight group Kantar has acquired the remaining shares in Lanka Market Research Bureau (LMRB), in which it already had a 49% stake. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More

TNS Names Kingsbury as Marketing Sciences Head

Oct 4 2011

TNS has appointed Research International veteran Mark Kingsbury as Global Head of Marketing Sciences, based in the UK and responsible for building the firm's existing technical capabilities and developing new solutions. More

Sorrell In Line for Salary Boost

Sep 23 2011

WPP's salary body is to consider a fifty percent rise in the basic salary of CEO Sir Martin Sorrell, who in November 2008 rejected a scheduled review as 'inappropriate' for the economic climate. Sorrell's £1m basic, unchanged since January 2007, is a smallish part of his total income from the firm. More

TNS Reputation Product Goes Digital

Sep 20 2011

TNS has taken its TRI*M Reputation Manager product into the digital sphere, to help clients analyse online media and take appropriate action. More

TNS Launches Online Community Omnibus

Sep 7 2011

In the UK, TNS Omnibus has launched ChatterBus, which offers access in short time segments to general or targeted groups via an online community format. More

WPP Snaps Up Japanese Media Services Firm

Aug 30 2011

WPP has made a non-binding offer to acquire the shares of ad and marketing services company D.A. Consortium Inc. (DAC) from Japan's Asatsu-DK Inc., in which the ad and insights giant already has a 22.9% stake. More

Hofmeyr Returns to TNS in New Role

Aug 25 2011

Jan Hofmeyr, formerly Synovate's International Director of Innovation, has joined TNS in a 'global thought leadership role', responsible for building the firm's approach to behaviour change and embedding this across the group. More

Slow Growth for WPP Insight Revenue

Aug 24 2011

WPP's Consumer Insight division has reported a meagre 2.3% rise in like-for-like revenue (1.3% actual) for the first half of the year, following slower growth in the US, the UK and Japan in the second quarter. However, pre-tax profits rose 37% to £334.3m. More

TNS Wins Four-Year Euro Contract

Jul 25 2011

TNS has been awarded the Flash Eurobarometer contract by the European Commission and European Parliament, beating four rival bidders. The four-year contract could be worth up to EUR 60 million. More

TNS Appoints its First Creative Director

Jul 4 2011

TNS has hired Martin Lambie-Nairn as Creative Director, a new position with a remit to improve the look and feel of the company's deliverables and work with local and global management to develop their creative capabilities. More

TNS Strikes Digital Ad Measurement Deal

Jul 4 2011

TNS has announced a European partnership with digital ad measurement specialist Alenty, to deliver a solution assessing the business impact of display ads. Initially available France, Germany, Spain and the UK, the service should roll out to more countries soon. More

Kantar Ditches Promedius for TrueSample

Jun 28 2011

Kantar is to roll out MarketTools' TrueSample quality solution across its network, following the breakdown of the Promedius Group, the not-for-profit quality consortium it launched with GfK and Ipsos less than a year ago. More

Sorrell Earmarks £200m for Acquisitions

Jun 13 2011

WPP Chief Exec Sir Martin Sorrell has suggested that the group may double the amount available for acquisitions this year, as it looks to invest in new media and emerging markets and take advantage of better conditions in the ad industry. More

Kösters Joins TNS Infratest Board

Jun 13 2011

In Germany, Andreas Kösters has been appointed to the management board of TNS Infratest, replacing Bruno Hötzel who steps down to focus on his role as Director of TNS Central Europe. More

Former Harris Loyalty Head Joins TNS North America

Jun 8 2011

TNS has appointed former Harris exec Stephan Sigaud as Head of its North American Customer Experience Management practice. The firm has also hired former GfK HR strategist Paul Fiolek as Head of Human Resources. More

Kantar Strikes Global Video Streaming Deal

May 16 2011

Kantar has today announced a partnership with online facilities company ActiveGroup Ventures, giving the research giant worldwide access to facility based research via video streaming. More

Salama Takes TNS Reins from Ros

May 10 2011

Kantar Chairman and CEO Eric Salama has taken on the additional role of CEO of TNS from Pedro Ros, who now becomes TNS non-executive Chairman. Ros replaces Jamie Hall, who will leave the business 'as planned' at some point in 2011. More

TNS-BMRB Hires Toombs for Public Sector Qual

May 9 2011

TNS-BMRB, the social research arm of Kantar, today announced the appointment of Ben Toombs, previously a Director at independent qual specialists Cragg Ross Dawson, as Qualitative Director. More

WPP's Consumer Insight Arm Grows 3.4% in Q1

Apr 28 2011

Consumer insight revenues at WPP have risen 3.4% on a constant currency basis, to £552.8m in the first quarter of 2011, compared with £542.5m in the prior year period. More

TNS Opens in Miami for LatAm Expansion

Apr 19 2011

TNS has opened an office in Miami to serve regional clients across Latin America. The operation will be led by industry veteran Gustavo Alvarez, who joins as Regional Accounts Director, Latin America. More

TNS Hires Head of Retail & Shopper Sector

Mar 29 2011

TNS has appointed Ivan Browne as Head of its Retail & Shopper Sector, based in London. He leaves GfK NOP, where he served as Business Development Director for the consumer products and retail division. More

Auto Specialist Andy Turton Returns to TNS

Mar 24 2011

In London, automotive research veteran Andy Turton has returned to TNS as Client Services Director for the Global Automotive Sector. More

WPP Reports Insight Revenues Up 4.4%

Mar 4 2011

Marcoms giant WPP has recorded a 4.4% increase in 2010 revenues to £2.43 billion in its Consumer Insight division. Meanwhile operating margins improved by 1.1 points to 9.7%. More

TNS Chairman Joins Hall & Partners

Feb 17 2011

TNS Chairman Paul Edwards has left to join Omnicom-owned brand and communication research specialist Hall & Partners as European Chief Executive Officer, with a focus on leading the London office. More

TNS Appoints Global Marketing Director from Microsoft

Feb 1 2011

In the UK, TNS has appointed former Microsoft marketer Tim Isaac as Global Marketing Director, based in the firm's London headquarters. More

TNS and Hoffman Form Joint Venture in Hungary

Jan 26 2011

TNS has expanded in Hungary, through the formation of a new joint venture with former RI affiliate Hoffmann Research International, now rebranded as TNS Hoffmann. More

Kantar Partners to Study Indian Trends

Jan 25 2011

Kantar-owned global trend research consultancy The Futures Company (TFC) has partnered with sister firm TNS to serve multinational and local clients in India. More

Obituary: Dr Michael Antecol

Jan 18 2011

TNS Canada has announced that Dr Michael Antecol, Vice President for Western Canada, passed away suddenly on December 29, 2010 at the age of 42. More

TNS to 'DISCOVER' New Frontiers

Jan 5 2011

TNS has kicked off the new year with a new 'global positioning' known as DISCOVER, which it says reflects its commitment to 'leading the way in research into new frontiers and making discoveries that help clients to develop opportunities'. More

TNS Buys Control of RMS in Africa

Jan 4 2011

TNS has acquired a majority stake in the Research and Marketing Services (RMS) group of companies in West and Central Africa. More

TNS Buys Belgian Retail Researcher

Dec 15 2010

TNS has acquired Belgian shopper research specialist Retail Insights, and appointed its CEO Kristien Laureys to head up the Retail Insights division within TNS Belgium. More

TNS Restructures APAC Operations

Dec 14 2010

TNS has restructured its operations in Asia Pacific (APAC) to reflect the differing needs of the region's diverse markets, and named its Singapore office as its new APAC regional headquarters. More

Kantar Ups UK Worldpanel Size by 20%

Nov 26 2010

Kantar has increased the size of its Worldpanel in the UK by 20%, to include data from 30,000 households by the end of 2011. The firm has also announced other enhancements to the overall Worldpanel service. More

TNS Names Fergusson Global Technology Head

Nov 16 2010

In the UK, TNS has moved James Fergusson to the post of Global Technology Head, responsible for leading the sector team and strengthening its presence across all markets. More

Indian Authorities Take Exception to Survey

Nov 8 2010

India's Federal Government has been asked by the Kerala regional government to 'investigate' a door-to-door survey asking Muslims for their views on sensitive questions concerning religion and politics. Interviews were by TNS for Washington-based Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRAI). More

TNS Restructures APMEA Leadership Team

Oct 5 2010

TNS has re-organised its operations in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (APMEA) into two separate regions - TNS Africa and Middle East (AME) led by Kim Macilwaine and TNS Asia Pacific (APAC) headed by Chris Riquier. More

TNS Restructures, Creates New Unit

Oct 4 2010

TNS has formed a new central division called Corporate Development, incorporating a number of current areas of marketing and strategy expertise. Matthew Froggatt, until now Technology Sector Head, has been appointed to lead the new unit as Chief Development Officer. More

Kantar Media Turns Up Ad Intelligence Heat

Oct 4 2010

Kantar Media has introduced DirectHEAT, a new subscription service delivering custommised multimedia ad intelligence to media sellers. More

TNS RI and Wunderman Pair for African Digital Insight

Sep 29 2010

WPP-owned sister firms TNS Research International and digital agency Wunderman have partnered in Africa, to help clients maximize opportunities in the 'digital sphere', while providing information about the potential of mobile Internet. More

Kantar Launches TGI Worldpanel

Sep 27 2010

Kantar has linked its Worldpanel scanned FMCG household purchase data with data from Kantar Media's TGI consumer insight survey. The resulting service, TGI Worldpanel, promises clients a detailed understanding of the link between media consumption, consumer attitudes and UK purchasing. More

Kantar Debuts New Regional Readership Method

Sep 15 2010

In the UK, Kantar Media has rolled out a new approach to regional readership data collection, which it says offers a 'considerable cost saving' for publishers conducting regular readership research. More

Kantar Media Hires Boehme to Drive STB Development

Sep 7 2010

WPP-owned Kantar Media - which specializes in providing TV, Internet and radio audience measurement services - has hired veteran media analyst Jeffrey Boehme to drive the development of new products and applications for set-top box (STB) data. More

Galceran Joins TNS in Regional CEO Role

Sep 3 2010

TNS has hired Synovate's former CEO Iberia and Latin America Ignacio Galceran as Regional CEO Latin America, and a member of its Global Executive Committee. He joins the firm in October and takes up his new post next January. More

Kantar to Add Qual to futurePROOF Digital Study

Aug 25 2010

Kantar Media is planning to add qualitative research to its futurePROOF quantitative study, to provide an understanding of how media behaviour changes among early adopters of the iPad. More

Insight Arm Helps Recovery in WPP Profits

Aug 24 2010

Revenue and profits in WPP's Consumer Insight division rose in the first six months of 2010: the former slowly, up 2.4% on a like-for-like basis from a low comparative, but the latter more rapidly with headline profit before interest and tax (PBIT) up 22% to £83.7m. More

TNS-BMRB Initiates Mixed Mode Programme

Aug 5 2010

In the UK, Kantar-owned TNS-BMRB, which offers insight for government and not-for-profit clients, has launched a mixed mode research programme to prompt new thinking and best practice for tracking social trends across multiple modes of research. More

GfK and Kantar Combine for Online Quality Drive

Jul 28 2010

Two of the research industry's top four firms, Kantar and GfK, have announced an initiative aimed at promoting and assuring online data quality. The firms will seek 'broad industry participation' in their not-for-profit consortium, the Promedius Group. More

TNS Promotes Huber for HR, Talent and Culture Role

Jul 14 2010

TNS has promoted Margit Huber to the position of Global HR, Talent Manager & Culture Director, with a remit to create an 'inspirational culture' across the group. More

Kantar Probes Reasons for Online Behaviour

Jun 30 2010

WPP-owned Kantar Media has released 'Connect', a new solution that integrates a publisher's own web site metrics with survey data, to create a single-source database that links online behaviour to the attitudes that drive it. More

Kantar Firms Continue 2010 Growth

Jun 29 2010

Kantar-owner WPP has reported improved results for the first five months of the year. Both Group revenues and those for the Insight division rose around 2% worldwide on a like-for-like basis while growth in May was well over 5%. More

Kantar Unveils Tool to Predict Reaction to Paywalls

Jun 15 2010

In the UK, WPP-owned Kantar Media has developed a predictive tool to provide insights into how consumers will react to newspapers introducing paywalls on their web sites. More

TNS Canada Promotes Ennamorato for Leadership Post

Jun 15 2010

TNS has promoted Michael Ennamorato to the post of Managing Director for Canada, with overall responsibility for direction of the firm in the Canadian market. More

Sorrell Back in Buying Mode

May 19 2010

WPP Group is gearing up to restart its acquisition strategy across the Asia-Pacific region, according to CEO Sir Martin Sorrell, speaking at The Financial Times and Marketing magazine event in Singapore on Tuesday. More

TNS Appoints Youth Trend Expert

May 17 2010

TNS has appointed Ian Stewart as Regional Director for Youth for the Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa region (AP MEA), charged with building a specialist youth practice and driving the firm's TRU teens syndicated service across the region. More

TNS Names New MD in Portugal

May 4 2010

TNS has appointed Fabrizio Giordano as Managing Director of its Portuguese office, supported by Teresa Veloso as Client Services Director. More

Sorrell Slams Nielsen Valuation as Both Report Results

Apr 30 2010

WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says the figure reported in the press for Nielsen's possible valuation is 'out of the ballpark' and 'doesn't work in any way, shape or form'. Both companies reported encouraging results today, WPP forecasting growth for the year and Nielsen seeing 4% real revenue growth over Q1 2009. More

WPP Develops Dashboard for Data Integration

Apr 27 2010

In the UK, marcoms giant WPP has developed a dashboard which combines media spend and performance data from its GroupM media arm with research from insight division Kantar, together with information on social media content, web analytics and client CRM data. More

MB Precis Merged into Kantar Media

Apr 23 2010

Kantar Media has merged its media measurement and evaluation agency Millward Brown Precis Europe/UK into its Intelligence Sector. The merger will be effective 1 May 2010. More

Kantar Media Names New Client Chief

Apr 21 2010

In the US, WPP-owned Kantar Media North America - which provides insights, analyses and audience measurement services - has hired former Starcom MediaVest research chief Richard Fielding for the newly created post of Chief Client Officer. More

WPP 'May Return' if Tories Change Tax Laws

Apr 15 2010

WPP's CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says the firm may return its tax domicile status back to the UK if a new government guarantees it will not subject overseas profits to UK tax. Since relocating 18 months ago, the firm has saved around £50m by avoiding tax on its 'foreign profits'. More

TNS Rolls Out Social Media Tracking Model

Mar 26 2010

In the US, TNS and its sister company Cymfony have partnered with FMCG client Emory University to demonstrate the effectiveness of a new tracking model, designed to prove how including social media in the marketing mix can yield better results. More

TNS and RMS Form African Alliance

Mar 25 2010

TNS and Research and Marketing Services (RMS) have formed an agreement to provide customized research in West Africa. More

Insights Revenue Down Nearly 10% in WPP's 'Brutal Year'

Mar 5 2010

Marcoms giant WPP saw revenues in its insights division fall 9.5% on a like-for-like basis during 2009, whilst on the same basis gross margin fell by 7.7%. More

TNS Cements Pakistan Partnership

Feb 17 2010

TNS has formalised its partnership with qual and quant agency Aftab Associates, to offer services in Pakistan and Afghanistan under the brand name of TNS-Aftab. More

TNS and Compete Launch Web Evaluation Service

Feb 16 2010

Kantar owned TNS and Compete have launched a web evaluation service, which identifies areas of a brand's web site that are underperforming, and goes on to recommend how the client can enhance the site for optimal performance. More

HCI Joins Kantar Health Unit

Feb 5 2010

ACNielsen HCI - a firm researching pharmaceutical promotions which was transferred to WPP in a 2008 regulatory asset swap - has been added to Kantar Health's Marketing Insight practice. More

Kantar Rebrands TNS Worldpanel

Jan 28 2010

In its second rebrand of the week, Kantar has re-named the TNS Worldpanel network as Kantar Worldpanel. Earlier in the week the group rebranded its media assets. More

Kantar Integrates Media Units

Jan 26 2010

WPP-owned insight consultancy Kantar has re-branded the media assets of TNS, KMR Group and BMRB Media as Kantar Media. More

Turkish Broadcaster Pulls Out of Ratings

Jan 14 2010

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) has announced that its stations will no longer be included in audience measurement provided by AGB Nielsen Media Research, which has been carrying out TV audience research in the region since 1989. More

TNS-BMRB Opens Social and Political Unit

Jan 11 2010

In the UK, TNS-BMRB has launched another new division, the Social & Political Attitudes Unit (SPA), which will focus on tracking social and political trends. More

TNS-BMRB Launches New Division

Dec 18 2009

TNS-BMRB has announced the launch of its first new division, 'The Communications Research Centre', a UK-based specialist team dedicated to communications research for the public sector. More

Sorrell Still Battening Down the Hatches

Dec 3 2009

WPP Chief Martin Sorrell has told a Reuters summit that with 'vicious' price activity in the market, he expects the group's 2010 revenues to be flat. Sorrell says new business activity in his media businesses is strong, but in MR and creative functions there is less cheer. More

STB Measurement First Priority for CIMM

Nov 17 2009

The recently launched Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) is to make digital set-top-box data (STB) its first priority, following a recent meeting held with audience measurement leaders. More

TGI Network Boosted by TNS Studies

Nov 4 2009

Kantar Media has expanded its Global Target Group Index (TGI) Network of syndicated single-source marketing and media studies, following parent WPP's acquisition of TNS. More

CIMM Invites Set-Top Box Data Providers

Nov 3 2009

The recently formed Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) will be hosting a meeting with Nielsen, Rentrak, TiVo, TRA and TNS to discuss how the firms can work with the coalition to foster set-top box data research innovation. More

'LUV' in the Air for 'Less Worse' WPP

Oct 30 2009

WPP has reported a like-for-like revenue decline of 8.7% for the third quarter - a smaller drop than was seen in the second quarter. Consumer insight revenues stayed depressed although margin was better. The firm also pointed to strong regional differences and predicted a 'LUV' shaped recession. More

TNS Wins Turkish TV Audience Contract

Oct 16 2009

In Turkey, TNS has been awarded a four-year contract to provide TV audience measurement, by local industry committee TIAK. The current deal, which expires in 2011, is held by AGB Nielsen Media Research. More

UK Merger Today for TNS and RI

Oct 12 2009

Today sees the official merger of TNS' UK Custom Division and Research International UK to become TNS Research International UK; and the merger of TNS Custom's UK Social sector with BMRB's social research team to become TNS-BMRB. More

TNS Launches 'Early Warning' Ad Measure

Oct 9 2009

In the UK, TNS has launched a tool that claims to provide clients with an 'early warning' of rival ad campaigns, and which it says 'bridges the gap' between ad pre-testing and tracking. More

Set-Top Box Data Gets Personal

Sep 2 2009

TV technology firm NDS and TNS Media Research have enhanced their joint TV audience measurement offering by adding the ability to identify individual viewers in homes signed up to participate in a measurement panel. More

Arbitron and TNS Launch 'Record' TV/Radio Panel

Sep 1 2009

In Canada, ratings giant Arbitron and TNS Media Research have launched what they describe as the 'world's largest combined panel for TV and radio audience measurement', designed to support industry organisation BBM Canada's own multi-media measurement initiative. More

NDS and TNS Link for Foxtel Audience Analysis

Aug 28 2009

In Australia, TV technology firm NDS and TNS Media Research have partnered to track and analyze audience behaviour across pay-TV operator Foxtel's network, to enable it to introduce advanced advertising products. More

WPP Net Profit Halves in H1

Aug 26 2009

UK marcoms giant and Kantar-owner WPP has reported a 47.9% drop in first-half net profit to £108.4m from £208.2m a year earlier, but predicts a brighter performance for the rest of 2009. Like-for-like consumer insight revenue was down 10%. More

TNS Magasin Combines Biosensory Techniques

Aug 26 2009

Shopper behaviour consultancy TNS Magasin has combined EEG (electroencephalography) and eye tracking technologies to capture shoppers' emotional and cognitive responses at what it describes as 'an unprecedented level of detail'. More

McCann and TNS Launch Singapore Health Study

Aug 26 2009

TNS Healthcare and consumer comms agency McCann Healthcare have linked to launch the first in a series of studies providing insights into the Singapore health sector. More

Readership Row Splits Australian Media

Aug 24 2009

Australian readership research is in flux as incumbent currency provider Roy Morgan declines to take part in a new-look tender. As of yesterday, magazine publishing giant ACP has quit its national association in support of the Roy Morgan survey. More

WPP-Watchers Cautious; Brits Generally Optimistic

Aug 24 2009

Analysts expect ad giant and Kantar owner WPP to cut its sales forecast again this week. However the firm's debt position and strategic focus are considered solid, while buoyant reports in the UK press suggest business confidence in general has turned the corner. More

Kantar Adds Leaders for Latin America

Aug 12 2009

WPP's insight arm Kantar has appointed Marita Carballo as President for Latam (Latin America) and Fiona Keyte as Global Account Director for client, Procter & Gamble (P&G), in a move designed to strengthen the firm's client relationships and regional capability in Latin and South America. More

TNS and Rovi Link for Advanced TV Measurement

Aug 12 2009

In the US, TNS Media Research has partnered with digital entertainment technology firm Rovi Corporation to develop advanced TV and set-top-box (STB) measurement solutions. More

TNS Explores Asian Passions

Aug 6 2009

TNS has launched a series of reports measuring the sporting and entertainment passions of consumers in Asia. More

TNS Gets Australian Subscription TV Contract

Aug 5 2009

TNS Media Research has been awarded a ground-breaking three year audience measurement contract to gain new insights into the viewing and behaviour of audiences in subscription TV homes across Australia. More

Sorrell Talks Up Local Clients, Organic Growth

Jul 20 2009

WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell has extolled the virtues of organic growth; of helping ad budgets to follow consumers online; and of a balance between local and multinational clients, as he looks five years into the future of WPP. More

TNS Infratest Appoints New Consumer Head

Jul 17 2009

In Germany, TNS Infratest has promoted Jens Krnger to the post of Head of Consumer & Retail, as part of its integration with Research International (RI). More

Kantar Health Names China Leaders

Jul 14 2009

Kantar Health has hired Scott Davies as General Manager of China, to direct the group's growth strategy in the region. Kelly Wong has also been appointed as Business Leader and Head of Research, China. More

TNS Infratest Makes Job Cuts

Jul 9 2009

In Germany, the TNS Infratest Group - which includes TNS Emnid - has announced that it is to shed 35 staff positions at its Bielefeld site. While 20 employees have been made redundant, 15 others have been offered jobs in the firm's Hamburg office. More

Kantar to Merge TNS 6th Dimension into Lightspeed

Jul 1 2009

WPP's insight division Kantar is to merge Lightspeed Research's online panel business with the TNS 6th Dimension network of online managed access panels. More

German Rebrand for WPP Firms

Jul 1 2009

Following the merger of TNS and RI earlier in the year, the company has announced that TNS Infratest will now be known in Germany as TNS Infratest RI. More

European Rethink for Millward Brown

Jun 12 2009

Millward Brown has announced the launch of a new structure for its Europe business, merging the UK/Ireland and Continental Europe regions. Seven Directors are named for a new European Board. More

Meyer Leaves Millward Brown Taiwan

Jun 11 2009

Kevin Meyer, MD of Millward Brown (MB) in Taiwan, has left the firm to pursue 'non-market research related personal interests'. More

TNS to Lead Climate Change Research

Jun 8 2009

In the UK, a group of organisations led by TNS has won a contract from the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the first in-depth study into how public attitudes to climate change impact travel preferences. More

Sorrell Wins Bonus Scheme Vote as Kantar Revenues Fall

Jun 2 2009

At today's AGM, WPP shareholders gave the thumbs up to a scheme which could see CEO Sir Martin Sorrell receive a £60m bonus over the next five years. Meanwhile Sorrell announced a 6.7% dip in like-for-like revenues for the first four months of the year, which sent shares tumbling 4.8% to 456.25p. More

WPP and IBOPE Swap Assets

Jun 2 2009

Marcoms giant WPP has sold Mediafax - its Puerto Rico-based media research agency - to Brazilian media, market and opinion research specialist IBOPE. In return, WPP has increased its shareholding in three IBOPE businesses. More

WPP Shareholders Oppose Bonus Scheme

May 26 2009

Shareholders at marcoms giant WPP are opposing a scheme which could result in CEO Sir Martin Sorrell receiving up to £59.7m ($95m) worth of free shares during the next five years. More

Omniture and Kantar Partner for Online vs Offline Insights

May 15 2009

US web analytics firm Omniture and WPP's insight and consultancy division Kantar have created a new platform, which enables clients to see how their online and offline activities impact on one another. More

All Global Integrates TNS Panel in US and Europe

May 14 2009

WPP-owned healthcare data collection agency All Global has integrated the TNS JStreet panel into its online physician panel across the US and Europe, thus boosting its number of active physician participants by 50% across key specialities. More

TNS Wins Slovakian TV Contract

May 11 2009

In Slovakia, PMT Ltd - which was founded in 2002 to implement electronic measurement of the country's TV viewing - has awarded TNS SK a five year contract to measure both analogue and digital viewing. More

P&G's Dedeker to Take New Kantar Quality Role

May 6 2009

Procter & Gamble veteran Kim Dedeker is joining WPP's insight and consultancy division Kantar in a new role as Chair, Americas, where she will focus on the group's global research quality initiatives. More

WPP to Shed 6% of Workforce

May 5 2009

Marcoms giant WPP, which eliminated 3,600 positions in Q1, is planning to make 6% of its global workforce redundant resulting in the loss of 7,200 posts in all this year. More

TNS Readies Niche Sport and Leisure Panel

Apr 29 2009

TNS Travel & Tourism is planning a May launch for 'the world's first activities-based research panel', which promises to help clients reach groups based on their participation in niche sports and leisure activities. More

WPP Q1 Revenues Drop Almost 6%

Apr 28 2009

UK marcoms giant WPP has reported a 5.8% fall in Q1 revenues, excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency fluctuations. The firm says this reflects a cut in client spending in reaction to the global financial and economic crisis. More

TNS Wins EUR 65m Eurobarometer Contract

Apr 7 2009

TNS has beaten IPSOS, Gallup and Synovate in a pitch to win what it describes as 'one of the largest market research contracts ever commissioned' - a four year €65m EU project to provide a measure of public opinion in Europe. More

Sorrell: WPP Job Cuts Will Match Revenue Decline

Mar 26 2009

Marcoms giant WPP is preparing to make thousands of staff redundant this year, in response to declining revenues and its £1.1bn debt-financed acquisition of TNS. Credit agencies S&P and Moody have downgraded the firm's rating from stable to negative. More

TNS Continues Senior Shuffle

Mar 23 2009

TNS has announced further changes to its senior management team, following its recent merger with Research International. The latest appointments cover global roles, North America and Europe. More

TNS Reshuffles Senior Management in ALM Region

Mar 20 2009

TNS has appointed a new Regional Operating Board for the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa (ALM) region, led by former TNS Regional MD Jamie Hall, who assumes overall responsibility for the region as ALM CEO. More

WPP and Google Allocate Research Grants

Mar 18 2009

Eleven universities are to receive funds from the initial round of WPP and Google three-year Marketing Research Awards Program. The money will enable them to conduct studies into how online media influences consumer behavior, attitudes and decision making. More

Sorrell Looks Ahead

Mar 16 2009

Martin Sorrell has talked of 'big, big opportunities' and 'a tsunami of funds... waiting for the recovery' in an interview with the BBC. The WPP chief also discussed his views on headcount reduction in a recession, on Google, and the future market share of different advertising media. More

Insight Helps Drive Growth for WPP

Mar 6 2009

WPP has reported healthy results for the full year 2008. Like-for-like revenue growth of 2.7% came from a combination of a strong first half and slower second half. Insight division Kantar provided 17.1% of all WPP revenue and 12.8% of operating profit. More

RI Merged into TNS

Feb 23 2009

The Kantar Group is streamlining its businesses after buying TNS. The TNS Custom business will merge with Research International and will be generally known as TNS. A new social research force for the UK is established in TNS-BMRB, while Kantar has four new vertical sector operating units: Media, Health, Retail and Worldpanel. More

TNS to Close US Call Center

Feb 9 2009

TNS is to close a call center in Indiana, USA at the end of March, with the loss of 128 jobs. More

WPP Links with Omniture, Invests $25m

Jan 29 2009

Marcoms giant WPP has announced a partnership with US web analytics firm Omniture to provide clients with 'more effective insights' across both digital and traditional media channels. The deal involves WPP investing $25m in Omniture stock. More

Royal Mail Wants Former TNS Chair for Top Job

Jan 23 2009

The UK's Royal Mail has named former TNS Chairman Donald Brydon as first choice to lead it through a forthcoming part-privatisation. If appointed, he would replace current Chairman Allan Leighton when he steps down in March. More

Insight at the Heart of New WPP

Jan 22 2009

Global communications group WPP is planning to move away from its role as a traditional media and advertising supplier, to concentrate on becoming a more insight-led organisation, says CEO Sir Martin Sorrell. More

TNS Compete Unveils Smartphone Service

Nov 21 2008

In the US, web analytics unit TNS Compete has launched a service to deliver behavioural and survey-based insights on iPhone and other smartphone users. More

WPP Satisfies Regulators with Nielsen Asset Swap

Nov 11 2008

Nielsen and WPP have signed an asset swapping agreement. Nielsen will acquire WPP's half of AGBNielsen Media Research (AGBNMR), and in return, WPP will take over three of Nielsen's media services assets. More

Australian Commission Clears WPP for TNS Buy

Nov 4 2008

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced that it will not intervene in WPP's acquisition of TNS, after receiving court-enforceable undertakings from WPP regarding its TAM (Television Audience Measurement) services. More

Lowden Steps Down at TNS as Kantar Announces Restructure

Oct 31 2008

TNS CEO David Lowden has left after nine years with the firm, following the completion of WPP's takeover of the business. WPP's insight arm Kantar Group made no comment about Lowden's departure, but instead confirmed a series of senior management positions at TNS. More

WPP's TNS Deal Now Unconditional

Oct 29 2008

In the UK, WPP has announced that all the conditions of its offer to buy TNS have been fulfilled and that the offer is now unconditional. As of this afternoon, valid acceptances had been received by shareholders representing 95.54% of TNS stock. More

WPP Passes 'Squeeze-Out' Target, Nears TNS Finale

Oct 22 2008

Marketing communications group WPP has now received acceptance from shareholders representing 91.72% of TNS, for its offer to buy the UK market research agency. More

TNS Pays GfK €13m for Aborted Merger Deal

Oct 15 2008

GfK has received a break fee of around €13m (£10.6m) from TNS as compensation for the abandoned 'merger of equals' deal planned earlier in the year. The German firm has also reported a bulging order book. More

WPP Gets TNS

Oct 8 2008

WPP has declared its offer for TNS 'unconditional as to acceptances' after securing the approval of shareholders representing 81.78% of TNS stock by its latest deadline of 3pm today, UK time – well over its new 75% target. More

TNS' Hudson Joins Authentic Response to Head New Office

Oct 8 2008

Global online panel company Authentic Response is opening an office in Toledo, Ohio and has appointed former TNS Director Paul Hudson as Vice President of Technology to run it, while steering the firm's overall technology strategy. More

TNS Board Recommends Acceptance of WPP Bid

Oct 6 2008

Following WPP's announcement on Friday that around 61% of TNS shareholders had accepted its bid, the TNS Board has recommended that shareholders accept, to avoid the risk of being left with a minority interest in an unlisted company. More

Sorrell Flees Red Tape; Nears Finishing Tape

Sep 30 2008

WPP has announced that its bid for TNS had been accepted by around 43% of the latter's shareholders as of 2.30pm Monday – up from just 34% on Friday. The acquisitive ad group also says it will move its 'domicile' to Ireland due to the current 'complexity' of the UK tax system. More

TNS Bid: WPP Closes Gap, Extends Deadline Again

Sep 29 2008

WPP has again extended its deadline for TNS shareholders to decide on its £1.2bn bid - to this Friday, October 3rd - but has now received acceptances from 33.8% of them - up from just 11% two weeks previously. More

TNS Board Stresses Standalone Potential

Sep 24 2008

TNS has today issued its shareholders with a new statement urging them to reject WPP's offer for the firm, underlining its strength as a standalone group. More

Vovici Tools to Build TNS Panels

Sep 24 2008

TNS is to adopt research software provider Vovici's Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) Platform and Community Builder Model as its standard platform for building custom online panels and communities for its customers. More

WPP Gets EU OK

Sep 23 2008

WPP has received a qualified approval from the European Commission for its offer to buy TNS. The deal will comply with EU merger rules, provided two divestments are made. More

TNS North America Appoints CEO

Sep 23 2008

TNS has appointed David Kieselstein as CEO for North America, responsible for the US and Canada Custom Research businesses. He joins from D&B where he was General Manager of the Small Business Credit Division. More

Pro-Merger Riesenbeck Quits GfK Chair

Sep 15 2008

Hajo Riesenbeck is to resign from the Supervisory Board Chairmanship and Presidency of GfK Nürnberg e.V. Riesenbeck was closely associated with the TNS bid, while CEO Klaus Wübbenhorst is said to have been more convinced of the firm's ability to grow on its own. More

Commission Extends Review of WPP Bid

Sep 3 2008

The European Commission has extended by ten working days its investigation into the potential effect on competition of communication group WPP's takeover bid for global agency TNS. More

WPP Extends Deadline as Shareholders Hang On to TNS

Sep 1 2008

WPP has extended its offer to buy shares in TNS to 3pm London time on September 12th. The company's original deadline passed on Friday with only 8.61% of TNS shareholders accepting its offer. TNS continues to recommend rejection. More

TNS' Main Shareholder Rejects WPP Bid

Aug 28 2008

In the UK, employee-owned investment firm Cedar Rock Capital – the largest shareholder in TNS - is understood to have rejected ad giant WPP's latest £1.1bn offer. More

GfK Pulls Plug on TNS Bid

Aug 27 2008

GfK has cancelled plans to acquire UK rival TNS after failing to secure funding for the deal. TNS, whose shareholders must vote this week on the bid of its remaining suitor WPP, also announced 6-monthly results today with revenue and profit rises both in double figures. More

GfK Keeps Industry Waiting and Guessing

Aug 18 2008

GfK will use the time available to it before making any offer for TNS, according to CEO Klaus Wuebbenhorst. This is likely to mean September, while WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell will see TNS shareholders vote on his proposals on 29th August. More

GfK 'Misleading the Market' Says Sorrell

Aug 11 2008

WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says GfK is misleading the market about being able to pull together the resources to buy British rival TNS, and about having access to an 'unidentified but substantial source of capital'. More

Formal WPP Offer Includes TAM Deal with Ipsos

Aug 4 2008

WPP has posted TNS shareholders a formal offer for the company, valuing it at $2.28bn. It includes news of an option to sell TNS' television monitoring arm TAM to Ipsos, if required to meet EU competition law. More

TNS Looks at Options; GfK Remains Positive

Jul 28 2008

GfK's discussions regarding a possible offer for TNS are 'progressing positively' the company said today, as it announced a strong order book from the first half of 2008 and a two-week delay in financial reporting. However, TNS has reportedly been talking to Sir Martin Sorrell and scouting for other possible buyers. More

Cinven is Possible GfK Investor

Jul 15 2008

GfK is understood to have had talks with European private equity firm Cinven about finance for its bid for TNS. Such a partnership is likely to be treated with caution by major shareholder the GfK-Verein. More

'No Time Pressure' for Risk-Averse GfK

Jul 14 2008

GfK will not take 'unreasonable' financial risks in bidding for TNS, according to Klaus Wuebbenhorst. The CEO has played down the pressure on his firm, which is said to be in talks with 'other wealthy German families' in addition to the Herz family. More

Tchibo Billionaires May Be GfK Backers

Jul 11 2008

GfK is said to be discussing financial backing for its counter offer for TNS with Mayfair, the Hamburg investment vehicle owned by billionaire siblings Günter and Daniela Herz, who inherited their wealth from their coffee magnate father. More

GfK Says TNS Bid 'Not Certain'

Jul 10 2008

German market research agency GfK has stressed today that there is no certainty it will make an all-cash offer for UK rival TNS, after the pair scrapped their plans to merge yesterday. More

'Merger of Equals' Off: Now GfK Bids for TNS

Jul 9 2008

GfK, backed by an as-yet unnamed investor, is preparing to make a counter-offer for TNS in response to WPP's £1.08bn ($2.1bn) hostile bid announced this morning. More

Senior US Hires for TNS Healthcare

Jul 8 2008

In the US, TNS Healthcare has made three new senior hires, appointing Marty Silverman as SVP/Practice Leader, Sales Force Effectiveness; Michael Smolens as VP of Brand Research: and Porter Hibbitts VP Client Services, Brand Management. More

Fellow Travellers Wobble Merger Bandwagon

Jul 7 2008

Despite approval from the Board of the GfK Verein, the 'merger of equals' with TNS continues to face pressure from two sides: Sir Martin Sorrell, who has one more day to decide for or against a 'hostile' bid; and workers and a former Chairman at the German firm he describes as 'very traditional'. More

GfK Vote Approves Merger as TNS and WPP Chiefs Square Up

Jul 4 2008

The Administrative Board of GfK-Nürnberg e.V. has approved the firm's merger with TNS, leaving the vote of Verein members on 21st July technically unnecessary, 'though 'important'. Meanwhile, the bosses of TNS and WPP have been exchanging increasingly hostile comments. More

TNS Turns Down WPP's Third Offer

Jul 3 2008

TNS has fended off a third approach from communications giant WPP, stating that the bid still substantially undervalues the company. More

Sorrell Given a Week to Decide on TNS Offer

Jul 2 2008

In the UK, the Panel Executive, an independent body which administers the City Code on takeovers and mergers, has ruled that marketing firm WPP must clarify whether it intends to make a firm offer for TNS by 9 July. More

Verein Members Speak Out on GfK Merger Plan

Jun 27 2008

The proposed 'merger of equals' of GfK and TNS faces political opposition in Germany, reports suggest, with some German local authorities represented in the company's majority shareholding 'Verein' saying they will oppose the deal at next Friday's key meeting. More

WPP Asks TNS for More Info, as Both Report Growth

Jun 25 2008

Both TNS and WPP have reported healthy revenue growth in the first five months of 2008 - the former doing particularly well in the UK, balancing a slight decline in the US. Meanwhile Martin Sorrell has again asked TNS for more financial information. More

Green Agreement for IRI and TNS

Jun 18 2008

In the US, Information Resources Inc. (IRI) will be integrating TNS' Shades of Green methodology into its Consumer Network Household panel, to delve deeper into consumer attitudes and behavior towards environmental issues and motivation to purchase green products. More

TNS Hands Further Data to WPP

Jun 16 2008

TNS Chief David Lowden has today met with WPP's Sir Martin Sorrell to present him with the data his firm has already disclosed to GfK as part of the nil premium merger announced in April. More

TNS 'Withholding Info' Says WPP

Jun 10 2008

WPP has refuted TNS's claim to have provided it with the same information given to GfK as part of the recent merger agreement. Sir Martin Sorrell's firm says it has only been given access to a subset of the information provided to GfK Verein, GfK's controlling shareholder. More

Merger Latest – TNS Opens Books; 'May Sweeten Deal'

Jun 9 2008

TNS has agreed to open its books and give WPP the same information it gave to GfK as part of their recent merger agreement. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the GfK-TNS merger may face an EU competition probe; and may be 'sweetened' by a cash bonus for TNS shareholders. More

Sorrell Ponders Response

Jun 6 2008

Sir Martin Sorrell is said still to be considering this week's GfK-TNS merger announcement and whether or not to come back with a fresh offer for TNS. Quoted in the UK's Guardian newspaper, the acquisitive WPP boss described the GfK-TNS proposal as 'a defensive merger'. More

TNS Rejects New WPP Offer

May 13 2008

WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell has increased his offer for TNS from £948m to £996m (($1.9bn), but has been rejected for a second time by the market research group's Board. More

GfK Blasts Sorrell's 'Tactics', Reassures Staff

May 9 2008

GfK CEO Klaus Wübbenhorst has told employees of the German-based global agency that the proposed merger with TNS would mean more jobs, not fewer. Prof. Wübbenhorst said comments suggesting the contrary from WPP's Martin Sorrell were 'morally reprehensible'. More

Sorrell 'Disappointed' as TNS Rejects £1bn Bid

May 6 2008

WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell has said that he is surprised and disappointed by TNS' 'cavalier' rejection of his £1bn part-cash / part-share offer to purchase the firm. More

TNS and GfK in Merger Talks

Apr 29 2008

Top five global MR firms TNS and GfK are in discussions about a possible 'merger of equals', which would create the world's second-largest market and information group. More

UK's RAJAR Halts PPM Trial, Launches Review

Apr 28 2008

UK radio audience body RAJAR will cut short its investment in its experimental electronic measurement panel, run by TNS using Arbitron's PPM, and will launch an industry-wide review of audience research options. It will also field test a new online diary system, to be designed by Nunwood, in July. More

Canada Chooses PPM for TV and Radio

Apr 28 2008

BBM Canada, supplier of radio and television audience ratings services to the Canadian broadcast advertising industry, has selected a joint bid by TNS Media Research and Arbitron Inc to deploy Portable People Meter (PPM) technology to measure TV and radio in Canada. More

Former TNS MD Joins Ipsos

Apr 9 2008

In the US, former TNS MD Amaury de Condé has joined Ipsos as SVP and MD of its Global Product Center; an international role with responsibility for the worldwide Ipsos Marketing Consumer Goods business. More

Compete Names New President

Apr 7 2008

Compete, TNS media's newly-acquired online behaviour measurement company, has promoted Scott Ernst to the position of President – he was previously Chief Client Officer. More

TNS Healthcare Launches Call Assessment Tool

Apr 4 2008

In the US, TNS Healthcare has introduced a new service to help pharmaceutical and biotech companies measure the effectiveness of their own and competitive sales calls. More

Consumers Worried by Online Tracking

Mar 31 2008

TNS and consumer privacy organization TRUSTe have released the results of a study into US Internet users' knowledge, attitudes and concerns about behavioral targeting and online privacy. More

New TNS Media Unit to Include Acquisitions

Mar 11 2008

TNS has grouped several of its North American operating units into a new division, TNS media, with Dean DeBiase as CEO. TNS media intelligence and TNS media research join newly-acquired companies Compete and Cymfony to form the new entity. More

TNS Media Research Names Sector Head

Mar 6 2008

TNS has promoted Richard Marks to the position of Global Sector Head of TNS Media Research – the Internet, TV and radio audience measurement arm of TNS Media. More

TNS Buys Compete, Reports Good Year

Mar 3 2008

TNS has announced an agreement to acquire online behaviour measurement company Compete, Inc. for US$75m in cash, doubling if targets are met over two years. The company also reported full year results for 2007, with revenue of UK£1,067.7m, representing underlying growth of 5.4%. More

Clarification

Feb 18 2008

In an article published on 4 January we reported that Israeli MR company MarketWatch and its partner agency Gemius had been commissioned to conduct Internet rating surveys on behalf of a consortium including the Association of Advertisers in Israel; and that the work had previously been conducted by TNS's research company in Israel, TNS Teleseker using its bi-annual TIM (Teleseker Internet Monitor) survey (www.mrweb.com/drno/news7760.htm ). More

TNS Buys Sweden's Prospera

Feb 15 2008

TNS has bought Stockholm-based financial services specialist Prospera Research, and says the buy will help it to further develop syndicated services for extension across the Nordic region and then elsewhere in Europe. More

Two Senior Promotions for TNS

Feb 5 2008

TNS has promoted Robert Tomei to President, Areas of Expertise and Marketing for its US Custom Research business, and Kimberly Bastoni to SVP US Custom Marketing and Development. More

TNS Buys US Consumer Research Consultancy

Dec 6 2007

TNS has acquired specialist US-based consultancy Landis Strategy & Innovation for an undisclosed sum. More

Early Stage Brand Research Launch from TNS

Sep 17 2007

TNS has unveiled BriefScape, a research product for the early stages of brand communications development. The global agency says its range of offerings in the area now constitute 'a research solution for the complete brand communications lifecycle'. More

TNS Buys Stake in Usability Researcher

Sep 12 2007

TNS has bought a 15% stake in Berlin-based usability research firm Eye Square, reflecting increased client demand for usability advice and consultancy. More

IBM Research Head Moves to TNS

Aug 7 2007

TNS has appointed Shari Morwood as Executive VP of Technology, Telecom and Media in North America. She has spent the last eleven years at IBM, in roles including Vice President of Worldwide Market Research. More

TNS Points to Recovery for US Custom

Jul 9 2007

TNS has issued a trading update, ahead of reporting interim results on 3 September. The group says its previously troubled US custom business has returned to growth and expects underlying organic revenue growth of over 5% for the first six months of 2007. More

TNS Hires President of Client Services

Jun 5 2007

Crawford del Prete has joined TNS as President of Client Services in North America. He worked previously at technology specialist IDC, as Senior VP for Communications, Hardware, Software and Professional Services Research. More

TNS Buys Abt's Financial Services Arm

May 10 2007

TNS has acquired the Financial Services Research division of US business research and consulting group, Abt Associates. Senior Abt staff Scott Rosa and Sarita Bhagwat will join TNS to manage the integration of the two organisations. More

Marc Drake Retires from TNS

May 10 2007

Marc Drake has retired from TNS after more than three decades at the firm, including spells as Joint MD of the UK Superpanel business and Head of TNS Business Solutions. He joined the original Taylor Nelson Research business in 1976. More

TNS Australia Buys Travel Researcher

May 8 2007

TNS has expanded its focus in the travel sector with its acquisition of the Sydney-based Travel Research Centre (TRC), and consolidated MD Carolyn Childs' role as Director, Travel and Leisure Research. More

TNS Appoints Tomei to Lead Panels Growth

May 1 2007

After a 13 year career with ACNielsen, Robert Tomei has joined TNS as Global Head of Access Panels to establish, lead and deliver a growth strategy for the firm's global access panel business, 6thdimension(TM). More

TNS Integrates with Integration®...

Apr 18 2007

TNS has formed a partnership with marcoms measurement consultancy Integration, to market the latter's brand experience tool, Market ContactAudit(TM) (MCA). The firms will also work together to develop new business solutions for brand and advertising management. More

Measurement First for PPM in Iceland

Apr 16 2007

Iceland has adopted the Arbitron PPM system, under licence from TNS, as its audience measurement currency for both radio and television – the first instance worldwide of a meter system being used for electronic collection of data on both audiences. More

NPD Snaps Up TNS Food Trackers in UK and Spain

Apr 5 2007

Retail and consumer information firm, NPD Group, has bought TNS's foodservice tracking businesses in the UK and Spain, and integrated them into its CREST® food purchase information service. More

6thdimension for Saudi Arabia and UAE

Apr 4 2007

TNS has announced the launch of its '6thdimension' online services in the Middle East, including access panels and other solutions. The first phase will cover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with other markets likely to follow soon. More

Hiccups for TNS' Billion Pound Baby

Mar 5 2007

TNS has released full year results for 2006, showing revenue almost flat at £1,004.2m (up 0.5% from £999m in 2005). However the firm, whose US custom business has been restructuring since reporting problems a year ago, said results in other divisions were good. More

TNS Makes Senior Appointments

Mar 5 2007

TNS has announced three senior appointments. Dawn Airey and Drummond Hall join the board as independent non-executive directors, with effect from 12 April, while David Reim joins TNS Healthcare in the new position of Group President, US. More

Senior Automotive Hire for TNS

Feb 23 2007

TNS has appointed Lincoln Merrihew as Senior VP to lead the Automotive Segment for North American Custom Research. He has more than twenty years' experience in the industry, including senior forecasting and busdev positions with J.D. Power, Standard & Poors and DRI/McGraw Hill. More

TNS Buy Leads to Shopper Insights Launch

Feb 19 2007

TNS has acquired US shopping behaviour specialist Sorensen Associates for an undisclosed sum, and created a global practice, TNS Retail and Shopper Insights. More

Harding to Advise Outsourcing Firm

Feb 8 2007

Jon Harding, a former President of TNS US Client Services, is to work with Indian MR outsourcing firm Annik Technology Services Pvt. Ltd as a Chief Strategist, providing guidance, training and strategic input to Annik's sales and operations teams. More

Another Blooming Appointment for TNS

Dec 19 2006

TNS has further boosted its North America Custom management team under Kimberly Till with the appointment of Enzo Micali as Chief Information Officer. Micali previously held the same role at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. More

Asians Keen to Boldly Go

Dec 12 2006

A substantial majority of people in Asia (59%) believe that expenditure on space exploration is justified, according to a CNN/TIME poll conducted by TNS. Still more (68%) believe that Asians countries should take a more active role in space exploration. More

TNS Continues to Strengthen North American Team

Dec 6 2006

TNS has appointed two Executive Vice Presidents for its North America Custom Research leadership under Kimberly Till. Michael O'Keeffe joins to lead Operations and MCP, and Larry Levin to head up U.S. Consumer Goods & Services. More

New Leader for TNS Ad and Brands Division

Nov 20 2006

TNS has promoted Jeni Lee Chapman to the role of Executive VP of North American Custom Research business in its Advertising and Brand Performance Division (ABP). More

First Agency Client for New TNS Set Top Box Service

Nov 17 2006

TNS Media Research has signed up a first agency client for its new digital audience measurement service based on anonymous set top box data. Media and communications agency Starcom USA will receive information from 300,000 digital subscribers in LA. More

TNS Buys in Chile

Nov 10 2006

TNS has bolstered its presence in Latin America with the acquisition of a controlling interest in Time Research SA, the largest independent custom research business in Chile, for an undisclosed sum. More

Vietnam Tech Team for TNS

Oct 20 2006

TNS has announced the launch of a dedicated technology team in Vietnam, expanding its Asia Pacific network of technology sector researchers. The team will be led by country MD Ralf Matthaes and supported by Technology Sector Head Hong Nguyen and Sector Champion, Lester Sualog. More

3G 'Near Bottom of the Mobile Phone Wishlist'

Oct 12 2006

Despite mobile phone providers' endeavours to recruit 3G customers, third generation technology remains a low priority for mobile users across the globe, with cost the biggest deterrent, according to Global Technology Insight (GTI), the massive annual mobile study by TNS. More

DIRECTV Taps TNS Media for Interactive Subscriber Info

Sep 14 2006

TNS Media Research has entered an agreement with US digital television service provider DIRECTV, Inc. to launch audience measurement services that will focus on the latter's interactive subscriber households. More

New HR Director for TNS ALM Region

Sep 13 2006

TNS has appointed Michelle Griffin as Regional HR Director for its Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa (ALM) region. She replaces Wyn Black who will leave TNS to return to his native New Zealand. More

TNS Boosts US Custom Leadership

Sep 8 2006

TNS has appointed two key North American managers to support new President Kimberly Till in revitalising the business. Rob Wengel joins as Executive VP, Client Services and Nancy Narraway as Corporate VP, Marketing. More

US Decline Pegs Back TNS

Sep 4 2006

TNS has announced its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30 June. Unspectacular overall revenue growth of 4.5% (underlying growth 3.0%) reflects a decline in US custom business, while the rest of the group achieved organic revenue growth of almost 6%. More

Global Remit for TNS Interactive

Aug 25 2006

TNS has today announced the launch of a Global Interactive business unit, led by Arno Hummerston as MD, and bringing together three co-ordinated areas – commercial, development and Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) support. More

TNS Renews Asian Deal with CNN and TIME

Aug 4 2006

TNS has renewed its partnership with CNN and TIME magazine, supplying an up to the minute public opinion barometer on the issues of the day, from twelve Asia Pacific countries, via methods including its 6thdimension access panels. More

Fifth Spin-Off from 6thdimension

Jul 25 2006

TNS has today launched a Travellers' Panel, the fifth sub-panel of its 6thdimension service. The new panel provides access to 500,000 international respondents across 6thdimension's half dozen European countries. More

TNS PeopleMeters for Philippines

Jul 25 2006

TNS has announced agreements with the two leading broadcasters in the Philippines, ABS-CBN and GMA, to set up a new PeopleMeter service in the country. A representative panel of 1200 households reporting their viewing daily from the beginning of next year. More

TNS Appointment Continues 'Drive'

Jul 21 2006

David Moxley has joined TNS to head up a new Customer Insight Consulting Team. The move is described by the global agency as the third senior hire supporting its drive to deliver more strategic business insights, following those of John Abraham and Gaurav Bhalla. More

TNS Buys Tool for Segmentation and Positioning

Jul 20 2006

TNS has announced the acquisition of FutureView, a segmentation and positioning tool. The tool measures and classifies consumers according to how 'future influential' they are. Its developer, Malcolm Law, joins TNS as part of the deal. More

TNS Shares Pause at Three Year Low

Jul 10 2006

TNS' UK share price looks more stable today after a dramatic fall on Thursday and Friday last week. The drop followed a warning on full year operating margin and comments by Chief Executive David Lowden, who blamed problems on the 'unacceptable' performance of the American custom business. More

TNS Salutes Conversion Model

Jul 7 2006

TNS has formally recognised the success of its Conversion Model(TM) business tool by giving it its own Global Centre of Excellence, with an operational hub in Cape Town. The Model played a part in projects bringing TNS over US$120 million in revenue in 2005. More

TNS Promotion Continues New Focus

Jul 4 2006

TNS has appointed a Global Innovation Director, Gaurav Bhalla. Based in Washington, Bhalla's role is to 'drive and effectively implement innovative solutions across the commercial businesses'; and to take overall responsibility for identifying new products and services. More

Till Joins TNS

Apr 20 2006

TNS has appointed Kimberly Till as President of its business in North America. Her previous experience includes work for Microsoft, AOL, Sony and the FBI. More

Digital Measurement Deal for TNS

Apr 11 2006

Broadband entertainment and comms firm Charter Communications, Inc. has entered an agreement with TNS Media Research, to launch a video audience measurement service in the Los Angeles area. More

Technology Researchers Join Synovate

Apr 6 2006

Synovate has appointed four new US-based executives in its Technology & Telecom practice - three of them from TNS. Steve Levine joins as Senior Vice President & Sector Head; and Beth Ritchey, Karen Stuth and Holly Edmunds as Vice Presidents. More

Good Overall Growth for TNS Despite UK and US Results

Mar 6 2006

TNS has announced results for the year ended 31 December 2005. Revenue is up 5.7% (adjusted 4.1%) to £999.0m and adjusted operating profit up 9.5% to £112.6m. Strong growth across syndicated services and in custom business in continental Europe and emerging markets contrasted with 'challenging conditions' in the US and UK. More

TNS Media Appointment

Feb 27 2006

TNS Media Research has appointed Bud Breheney as Senior VP, Sales and Affiliate Relations, reporting directly to COO George Shababb. Breheney will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and strategies as well as managing client relationships with major cable, satellite and telephone operators. More

Interpublic Renews TNS Contract

Feb 7 2006

The Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG) has renewed its partnership with TNS Media Intelligence (TNS MI). The multi-year agreement gives 14 IPG agencies access to competitive advertising information covering 2.2m brands. More

Appointment: Harris Revenues Grow in US, Fall in Europe

Feb 3 2006

Harris Interactive achieved revenue of $54.8m in the last quarter of 2005 - ahead of its expectations, despite a fall in European revenue. The company has also announced that it now has exclusive European ownership rights to the Harris name. TNS previously held rights to the name and trademarks in Europe. More

New Leader for TNS InfoSys

Jan 23 2006

TNS Media Research in the US has appointed Anne Drake, formerly of Mediamark Research, as VP for InfoSys Sales & Marketing. She will be responsible for overseeing the introduction and operation of InfoSys, the company's TV and Radio audience analysis software. More

Mixed Fortunes for TNS Revenues

Jan 13 2006

Revenues for the TNS Americas division will show a larger than anticipated decline for 2005, thanks to decreased demand for custom research in the US. Asia and Latin America, on the other hand, achieved strong growth, and the company expects underlying revenue growth of around 4% for the year. More

TNS Staff Move to Synovate

Dec 12 2005

Synovate Diversity - Synovate's growing multicultural research business in the US - has hired a team of four researchers from TNS Market Development. Everett Hernandez joins as Senior VP and General Manager; Steve Moylan as VP; Denise Marks as VP, Research Studies; and Anna Marie Lopez as In-person Project Field Services Director. More

Consumer Confidence Creeps Up

Nov 29 2005

US consumer confidence rose in November following a substantial drop over the last few months. Four different confidence indexes - from TNS (for the Conference Board), Ipsos (for the Royal Bank of Canada), BIGResearch, and the University of Michigan - all report similar patterns of recovery. More

Research Delves Into Eating Habits

Oct 27 2005

Recent studies from NPD and Packaged Facts find US consumers eating more takeaway meals and using fewer fresh products, while also becoming increasingly concerned about food safety. Meanwhile, dietary concerns are spreading to Australia, where a TNS study finds 67% of women overweight, and a third of teenagers underweight. More

Dollar Millionaire Households Accumulate

Oct 6 2005

The number of US households with more than one million dollars in net worth (excluding primary residence) has risen by around fifty percent so far this century, according to recent figures from TNS Financial Services. The total of 8.9 million such households is up for the third year running. More

New TNS Health Group to Cater for Smaller Clients

Sep 19 2005

TNS Healthcare has announced the creation of a Specialty Healthcare Group in North America, backed up by four senior appointments. In line with other recent group restructures, TNS says the move should help 'meet the unique needs of emerging submarkets as the healthcare industry evolves'. More

TNS Healthcare Expands US Client Services

Aug 24 2005

TNS Healthcare has made a series of appointments and promotions in its North American Major Pharma Group, strengthening client service. Amongst the eleven senior moves, Paul Barnes, formerly the group's Executive VP, has been promoted to President. More

'Disappointing' Growth for TNS in UK and US

Jul 8 2005

TNS today announced 'weaker than anticipated' growth in UK and US custom research. It expects overall revenue growth for this year to be line with the market at about 4% - a more cautious prediction than earlier in the year, when the company said it hoped to outpace rivals. More

US Market Research Firms Continue to Grow

Jun 27 2005

Marketing research firms in the US saw a healthy growth of 7.2% in 2004, according to the latest Honomichl Annual Review, prepared for US Marketing News magazine. The firms in the top ten are the same as last year, while many of the changes in the top 50 are due to company mergers. More

Identity Theft Fears Rise as Online Banking Grows

Jun 27 2005

A new study from Yahoo! shows that the Internet has taken over from the high street for consumer banking. However, separate surveys from TNS and Gartner suggest that increasing concerns about identity theft could slow down the Internet banking and shopping boom. More

TNS Appointment

May 5 2005

TNS has appointed Dr. Randy Emond as President of Advertising and Brand Performance for North America, replacing Dr. Larry Friedman who was recently promoted to Global Director of Brand and Advertising Research. More

Dissatisfied States

Mar 3 2005

Americans are growing increasingly unhappy with their jobs, according to a recent report from The Conference Board, based on research by TNS. The decline in job satisfaction is widespread among workers of all ages and across all income brackets. Half of all Americans say they are satisfied with their jobs, down from nearly 60% in 1995. More

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