Experian Buys Economic Consultancy

Information and database giant Experian has bought Economic Research Services (ERS), a UK-based economic development and regeneration consultancy, for an undisclosed sum.

ERS provides economic impact, strategy development and evaluation services for public sector clients including government departments and agencies, local authorities, regeneration partnerships and voluntary bodies. Based in Newcastle and founded in 1994, it also has offices in Carlisle, Bristol and Leicester.

ERS had revenues of £1.4m in the year to Sept 30, 2006. It now joins Experian's Business Strategies division, whose MD Charles Burton comments: 'ERS has built a formidable reputation in the public sector where it has been providing a range of specialised policy impact and evaluation services.' Burton says ERS has close synergies with his firm's existing economics research business, as well as a 'unique and practical understanding of how government programmes and projects work at local level.' He adds that such skills are 'increasingly in demand, as more and more programmes are screened for their effectiveness.'

Keith Burge, Founder and MD of Economic Research Services, says the deal will give his team use of Experian's vast data assets and better access to new and existing clients in London, the South East and Scotland.

Experian's home page is at www.experian.com while ERS is online at www.ers.org.uk .

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