Merger for Big Data Firms in St Louis

St Louis, Missouri-based big data analytics firms evolve24 and Sherpa Analytics have merged, promising clients enhanced applications for consumer and market insights, as well as program effectiveness measurement. Terms of the deal were not confirmed.

evolve24 was founded by Anthony Sardella (pictured) in 2004, and was sold in 2010 to Maritz, which will continue to maintain an ownership interest in the new combined company. With a focus on commercial sector clients, evolve24 collects, processes and integrates various consumer data using proprietary technology, and applies its expertise in big data analytics to solve business issues. Sardella is also the founder of Sherpa Analytics, which works with government and non-profit clients, and uses a research-driven approach to identify emerging issues and trends, and quantify the impact of campaigns.

The combined company, with a team of data scientists, big data researchers and strategic advisors, will be known as evolve 24, led by Sardella and headquartered in St. Louis, with additional offices in Chicago and Washington, DC.

COO Michael Bryars comments: 'The choice to combine these two entities was driven by a need in the market, as we've watched 'big data' explode in recent years. We are thrilled to combine evolve24 and Sherpa Analytics to have the freedom to innovate and grow in a market that is experiencing record growth and advancement.'

Web sites: www.evolve24.com and www.sherpaanalytics.com .