Rakuten Rebrands and Unites MR Firms

Japanese e-Commerce and data group Rakuten has brought its two online research companies, Rakuten Research, Inc. and AIP Corporation, together under a single, new brand as Rakuten Insight.

From the beginning of next month Rakuten Research, which provides market research services to clients in Japan, will change its name to Rakuten Insight, Inc., while AIP Corporate, which services clients outside Japan, will become Rakuten Insight Global, Inc. - with a common logo.

Tokyo-based panel operator and online sampling and data collection firm AIP Corporation was established in 1997 and acquired by Rakuten four years ago for an undisclosed sum. The firm has offices in 11 countries, a research panel focused on 15 countries and regions in Asia, North America and Europe, and an extended panel network covering 60 countries and regions. In December the firm announced a partnership with Research Now, giving each access to the other's panel data, and agreeing to work together to develop digital research products and services.

Rakuten Research has one of Japan's largest panels, with around 2.2 million members, and was established in 2002. The two companies will now collaborate more closely to strengthen their service offerings, including big data consumer analysis and traditional MR and marketing activities - and will expand their geographical footprint, with announcements due soon.

Web site: www.aip-global.com .