Ci Research Completes Management Buy-Out

In the UK, market research agency Ci Research has been bought by its management, led by MD Ian Font and fellow investors Colin Auton, Andy Wright, Richard Walker and Katie Waterhouse.

The new executive team - which includes former Nunwood Board Director Walker - beat off a series of competitive bids from outside investors for the £2m turnover company.

The management buy-out also marks Ci Research's demerger from sister company j4b, although the pair will still work closely together and operate from the same building in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Font said that the buy-out represents the beginnings of an 'exciting chapter' for the firm.

'The people who are building Ci Research's reputation now have the opportunity to share in its future success. And by being free of the reins which come with being part of a public limited company, we will now be able to react even more quickly to market opportunities and make quicker investment decisions,' he added.

Ci Research employs 30 people and offers a tailored approach to market research for both private and public sector clients. Last month, the firm launched a new financial services team.

Web site: www.ci-research.com .