Ipsos Buy Strengthens APAC Mystery Shopping Offer

Ipsos is to acquire the mystery shopping staff, shoppers and clients of Asia Pacific research firm Market Pulse International, with thirty team members joining the global group in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.

Ipsos says the buy complements its global strategy in driving deeper specialisation in services required by its clients to understand society, markets and people; and 'fortifies its position as the largest provider of mystery shopping services globally'.

Market Pulse International was established in the region more than two decades ago and is a market leader in mystery shopping and retail auditing. Two of its experienced execs will run the expanded Ipsos Mystery Shopping activities in specific regions: Shaun Hellyer becomes Director, Mystery Shopping Australia and New Zealand, while Witchaya Lekagul will lead operations in Thailand.

Ipsos Chairman & CEO Didier Truchot says the deal will bring significant new resource and expertise across the region, and adds: 'Importantly the deal includes a Thailand-based Mystery Shopping support center which will serve as a platform to support further growth in the region, providing experienced shopper networks in several markets'.

Craig Bradley (pictured), the group's Global Mystery Shopping Service Line Leader, says the acquisition 'will underpin the growth of our mystery shopping business in 2019 and beyond', and comments: 'It is exciting news for Ipsos because we are taking on some very experienced researchers, new client relationships, and new markets'.

Web sites: www.ipsos.com and www.marketpulse.biz .