Ipsos Completes GfK Divisional Acquisition

Ipsos has completed the acquisition of four global divisions of GfK Custom Business Research -Customer Experience, Experience Innovation, Health, and Public Affairs - for a total of EUR 105m.

In August last year, GfK announced a transformation and investment programme, following what it described as a 'difficult year' and the sale of 18.54% of the business to US-based private equity firm KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts). GfK then sold its Custom Research operations in the Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, excluding its Retail and Technology arm, to full-service agency RAIT.

The four global GfK Custom Research Business divisions will be included in Ipsos' consolidated accounts from 1st October 2018. Commenting on the acquisition, which was first announced at the end of July, Ipsos founder and CEO Didier Truchot (pictured) said: 'With this transaction, about 1,000 strong managers and committed professionals are joining Ipsos. With them and our 16,500 employees, Ipsos furthers its goal to implement the Total Understanding Project, a growth plan as close as possible to clients' needs, and to make the Ipsos brand synonymous with excellence in providing a better understanding of society, markets and people'.

Web sites: www.gfk.com and www.ipsos.com .