Maine Researchers Merge

In Maine, USA, Digital Research Inc. (DRI) has acquired polling firm Critical Insights for an undisclosed sum. Critical will continue to operate from its current base in Portland, as a division of its new owner and with President MaryEllen Fitzgerald remaining in the role.

Fitzgerald, whose firm conducts a poll of Maine voters on public policy questions twice a year, said the two companies have complementary businesses and were expanding. 'It made sense to merge, rather than to compete', she comments, adding: 'We are delighted with the outcome and potential for the new entity'. Both firms were established in the 1990s.

As well as polls for both national and local media outlets, Critical Insights conducts MR in sectors including healthcare, advertising, banking and utilities. DRI's specialist areas include travel and tourism, and consumer goods, and it offers online research including a community platform called Waggle Omnibus.

Bob Domine (pictured), President and CEO of Kennebunk-based Digital Research, says the merger creates 'a powerhouse of capability'. Additional staff recruitment is planned for the coming months.

Web sites: www2.digitalresearch.com and www.criticalinsights.com .

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