Ipsos Buys West African Research Firm Omedia

Ipsos has announced the acquisition of West African MR agency Omedia, from French audience measurement company Mediametrie.

Omedia has locations in Dakar, Sénégal; Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; and Bamako, Mali. The firm boasts experience of working in 21 African countries, and conducts a broad range of MR survey work as well as audience measurement, advertising, editorial and digital monitoring.

Ipsos says the buy will develop its business in French speaking African markets, boost service for its existing clients and contribute to robust operational capabilities in the region. CEO Ben Page describes it as 'a great opportunity to offer more services to our clients, in countries where we had limited capacities so far', adding: 'We are happy to welcome more great professionals which will help our development in Africa'.

Yannick Carriou (pictured), Chairman and CEO of Médiamétrie and a former Ipsos senior exec, comments: 'I am delighted that Omedia is joining the Ipsos Group. The team will discover how dynamic and innovative Ipsos is. As Omedia will continue to be Médiamétrie's partner of choice in the region, all our clients will benefit from even stronger capabilities'.

Web sites: www.ipsos.com and www.omedia-group.com .