eDigitalResearch Acquired by MARU Group

Hampshire, UK-based eDigitalResearch (edr) has been acquired by recently formed research, insight and advisory services provider MARU Group, for an undisclosed sum.

Hampshire-based edr, which was founded by Michelle Fuller and Chris Russell in 1999, offers a range of solutions including customer experience management, voice of the customer feedback, and multichannel consumer insight. The firm now becomes part of MARU Group, which was founded earlier this year, is led by former Synovate/Ipsos Global CEO Ged Parton, and is backed by private equity finance company Primary Capital Partners.

As part of the deal, Fuller and Russell will step down from their roles as Joint Executive Chair, while edr Chief Technical Officer Shane Wright becomes MARU Group's CTO, working alongside Parton and closely with edr's current Board of directors, including MD Steve Brockway (pictured). All 146 edr employees will remain in their existing roles, working for the firm that is now known as maru/edr.

In a statement, MARU Group said that the acquisition is a 'key step' in the firm's vision to become an 'international insights pioneer'. Brockway comments: 'Since Chris and Michelle founded the company over fifteen years ago, we've strived as a company to stay at the forefront of research innovation and technology. Joining MARU Group gives us the opportunity to work with new technology and be a part of a new feedback venture that delivers fast and strategic insight whilst maintaining the essence of eDigitalResearch in our people.'

Web sites: www.marugroup.net and www.maruedr.com .