Research Now and Rakuten AIP in Data Partnership

Research Now has announced a partnership with Asian MR and data business Rakuten AIP. The firms will get access to each other's panel data, and work together to develop digital research products and services.

The deal combines Research Now's global reach with Rakuten AIP's business in twelve Asian countries / regions - Japan, mainland China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The partnership expands the geographic and regional reach of each company's databases of consumers for country-market and multi-country surveys. Clients will be able to buy sample both from Research Now's more than eleven million consumer and business panelists worldwide, and Rakuten AIP's panel and data assets, which include access to the group's more than one billion consumers worldwide.

Gary Laben, CEO of Research Now, says the deal will advance the ability of marketers and market researchers to reach the consumers with whom they wish to engage, and connect consumers with brands and communications that are most relevant for them. Atsushi Tamura, Chairman and Representative Director of Rakuten AIP, adds: 'The decision of both companies to work closely in this partnership confirms each of our positions as leaders in our respective fields. Our combined unique strengths allow us to offer many clients an outstanding online proprietary panel resource and solutions'.

Web sites: www.researchnow.com and www.aip-global.com .