Ask Afrika Buys Balance of TGI SA

In South Africa, research provider Ask Afrika has acquired the remaining 30% of TGI SA, the suppliers of media, brand and product information.

TGI was first started in the UK in 1969 and is now a global network - operated by WPP's KMR Group - of single-source market research surveys providing consumer insights for over 50 countries across six continents.

The acquisition is a culmination of a year-long hand over phase between Ask Afrika and the Founders of TGI SA, Tim Bester and Barbara Cooke, who have recently retired.

TGI was launched by Bester and Cooke in 2002, since when it has become the standard for single source branded market information in South Africa.

Their colleagues Maria Petousis, Chantelle le Roux and Zama Mkhize will continue working for the firm in their client services, operations and technical support roles.

In addition to the database services offered by TGI SA, Ask Afrika will provide TGI based consultancy services to its clients.

Ask Afrika's CEO Andrea Rademeyer says that this investment continues her firm's strategy of aiming to be the number one provider of benchmarks in the realm of service excellence, corporate reputation and brand (TGI) insights to clients.

Barbara Cooke added: 'I would like to thank all the many colleagues and friends that made the journey such an exhilarating one - I wouldn't have changed a single thing.'

Web sites: www.askafrika.co.za and www.tgi.co.za .