1-800 We Answer Buys CATI Specialist TMR

Call center network '1-800 We Answer' has acquired market research group TMR Inc., which specialises in telephone interviewing, and offers consumer, industrial and medical data collection and analysis. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1985 by Tom Ramsburg and Barbara Felderman, TMR has three CATI telephone interviewing facilities - one in New Jersey and two in Pennsylvania - which offer access to a total of 150 stations. In addition, the firm provides all types of quant and qual data collection including mail and online surveys.

Through the acquisition, 1-800 We Answer will expand its existing network of thirteen call centers based across eight states, which offer a range of telephone answering, virtual office, telemarking and call center services including political polls and telephone surveys.

In a statement, the firm said: 'The additional level of market research knowledge and experience 1-800 We Answer will receive through TMR helps the company deliver additional valuable tools into clients' hands, giving them new ways to cost-effectively streamline their marketing, customer service and sales programs.'

1-800 was set up in 1969 by Bob and Jo-Ann Sickinger, and since 1992, has been led by Bob's son Robert Porter.

Web sites: www.weanswer.com and www.tmrinfo.com .