Maximiles Buys German Panel Firm

French-based online loyalty and rewards specialist Maximiles has agreed to acquire Panelbiz Gmbh, one of the major players in the German online panels market, with the biggest access panel in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Maximiles, which employs 70 staff in Paris and London, was founded in 1999 and has been listed on Euronext's Alternext Stock Exchange in Paris since 2005. The following year it acquired the UK's iPoints.co.uk, and in 2007 it launched offerings in Spain and Italy.

The latest deal completes its presence in the big five economies of Europe, along with two other countries, enabling it to position itself as a truly European access panel provider, the firm says. It also underlines the acceleration of its development in a market with strong potential for growth.

Berlin-based Panelbiz last year grew its revenue 52% to EUR 2.6m. Maximiles will pay an unspecified amount, all cash, to the current majority-owners, German research agency Innofact and venture capitalist Holtzbrinck Ventures, and Panelbiz.will be integrated into its accounts with effect from 1st July 2010. The existing Panelbiz team will remain in place.

Web sites: www.maximiles.com and www.panelbiz.com/index.php?lang=2 .

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