Ipsos is seen as quickly emerging as a leader in survey-based market research, ranking 4th worldwide at present. It has weathered the US economic slowdown with seemingly no negative effect on its business activity. The research market itself is becoming increasingly tough though, characterised by increased competition and brand development, and shorter product and service cycles. Against this, Ipsos detects robust general demand for information about citizens/customers/consumers' behaviour and attitudes in al its countries of operation.

The trading figures indicate that Ipsos enjoyed a strong increase in operating profit over the year. It is believed that the group took Euros 24.1 million in this capacity, an increase of 72% from 1999. The percentage increase outpaced growth in revenues and was twice the rate recorded in 1999. The group’s operating income now represents 7.3% of total revenues, an increase of 1.2 basis points from 1999.

In terms of newsworthy events over the year, Ipsos ran a successful public offering of shares amounting to Euros 110 million last June. It also undertook a programme of selective acquisition and know-how integration as a company strategy. This included the group’s expansion of business into the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region. Company acquisitions were also made in respect of:

• Médiangles specialising in Internet marketing issues (France)
• Bimsa, specialising in marketing, medias and public opinion research (Mexico),
• Tandemar, specialising in advertising research, renamed Ipsos-ASI (Canada),
• Angus Reid, specialising in marketing and public opinion research (Canada et USA),
• Research in Focus, specialising in global marketing research (UK).