Daily Research News Online no. 5840

Ipsos Revenues Leap

August 17 2006

Ipsos has reported an excellent first half for 2006. Revenues are up 26.7% to Euros 407.7m, due mostly to organic growth of 8.6%, while the acquisition and integration of MORI, Understanding Unlimited and Camelford Graham contributed most of a 'scope of consolidation' rise of 14.1%.

Ipsos said the 'very strong performances' of the acquired companies 'reflect their inherent quality and rapid integration within the Ipsos group'. The currency effect was also favourable at 4%.

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Ipsos says Marketing Research and Advertising Research were the biggest contributors, but smaller business lines like Media Research also helped the figures. A 'remarkable' growth of 24% in the Opinion & Social Research sector is described as the result both of the numerous election campaigns in the first half of the year (eg Canada, Italy and Mexico) and of Ipsos' constant efforts to strengthen its offer. The latter is branded as Ipsos Public Affairs, and will become the third business line to report annual revenues of over Euros 100 million in 2006.

In regional terms, acquisitions in late 2005 and early 2006 had a positive impact on Ipsos' business in Europe and North America, while in Latin America the group benefited from a very positive currency effect. Growth was slower but respectable in Europe (6%) and particularly strong in the developing markets (Latin America and Asia -Pacific, excluding Japan). Ten per cent growth in North America reflects ongoing buoyancy but is not expected to be exceeded in full-year results.

Ipsos says market conditions for MR companies remain healthy. The firm will present its 2007-2010 development plan on 20 September, following the release of its first-half earnings report. Full-year targets are confirmed with consolidated revenue growth of at least 20% accompanied by an improvement in operating margin in 2006, and consolidated revenues of at least Euros 1bn and an operating margin of at least 10% in 2007.

Results by region and business line and more detail and definition can be found via the group's home page at www.ipsos.com .

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