Guidepoint Buys Vista Research

J.D. Power parent The McGraw-Hill Companies has sold financial consultancy Vista Research Inc., part of its Standard & Poor's division, to primary research provider Guidepoint Global, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Guidepoint gives investors and business decision makers access to a global network of 130,000 industry experts, offering phone consultations, face-to-face meetings, custom surveys, proprietary data tracking products, and event hosting. The buy means Guidepoint's expert network and healthcare expertise will be strengthened by Vista's coverage in technology, media, telecommunications, energy, industrials, retail, financial services, and leisure and gaming sectors; and enhances its office network in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Guidepoint CEO Albert Sebag comments: 'In the current economic climate, investors and business decision makers are increasingly seeking on-demand knowledge and insights through expert networks. Guidepoint's acquisition of Vista, a pioneer in the expert network field, gives our clients access to one of the most comprehensive primary research networks in the world, delivered with the single-minded focus on customized service that they have come to expect.'

Harold McGraw III, Chairman, President and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies said the divestiture is in line with the group's strategy to 'direct resources to businesses where we have the best opportunities for achieving significant financial growth, higher margins and market leadership.'

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies owns McGraw-Hill Education and BusinessWeek in addition to S&P's and research agency J.D. Power and Associates. With more than 280 offices in 40 countries and 2008 sales of $6.4 billion, the group is online at www.mcgraw-hill.com .

Web site for Vista and Guidepoint are at www.vistaresearch.com and www.guidepointglobal.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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