IHS Buys Electronics Specialist IMS Research

US information and analytics provider IHS has bought UK-based IMS Research, which conducts market research for the global electronics industry. The deal, which is IHS's fourth acquisition in less than a month - is valued at approximately $46m.

Two weeks ago, IHS acquired three companies for a total of about $45m. These included flat panel display researcher Displaybank; the 'CAPS' electronic components database and tools business of PartMiner Worldwide; and the digital oil and gas pipeline information business of Hild Technology Services.

Through its latest purchase, IHS will expand its products and services in the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) sector, to boost its offering to clients in the global technology marketplace. According to IHS Chairman and CEO Jerre Stead, IMS is an excellent fit for his firm's subscription-based model.

IMS Research's products and services include syndicated market studies, custom research, consultancy services and events. The Wellingborough, UK-based company was founded in 1989 and employs more than 140 people in the UK, US, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

CEO and founder Matthew Towers comments: 'We are very excited to be joining an organization that shares our passion for delivering an exceptional customer experience. The IMS Research suite of products and services are an excellent fit with the existing IHS portfolio of technology information and analytics, and our research model provides a platform for IHS to extend into the consumer sentiment space for even greater breadth and depth of content.'

Web site: www.ihs.com and www.imsresearch.com .