For the first time, the Canadian research company Ipsos-Reid as well as Ipsos-Stat companies in Middle East (Lebanon, Kuwait, UAE, Syria) were included in the group’s accounts. On a like for like basis, business volumes increased by 12.9% in 2000 as compared to the third quarter 1999. With cumulative revenues reaching Euro 216.9 million at 30 September 2000, Ipsos group activity was up 44% compared to the third quarter 1999. The Ipsos organic growth rate amounts to 14.4%, so significantly outpacing the market according to available information. The company now feels confident that it will exceed Euro 320 million in annual revenues, which is higher than the target initially announced for 2000. This performance is partly due to the USD / Euro parity exchange rate as well as a consequence of good organic growth.