Ipsos-Novaction & Vantis

The Ipsos group is busy increasing its footprint on the MR world. Its latest bid for a greater share of the cake comes with its acquisition of ACNielsen's Vantis operation, the US-based strategic marketing researcher. The newly-enlarged company will be known as Ipsos-Novaction & Vantis.

Vantis has the honour of being Ipsos' sixth acquisition in North America since 1998. The latest purchase also represents a snug fit with the group's other recent addition, the Paris-based Novaction Group. Along with parent Ipsos, this acquisition occupies a niche in market-modelling and consulting for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Europe and Asia. Vantis, on the other hand, has proven strengths in non-FMCG sectors within the confines of the American market. Slotted together, Ipsos-Novaction & Vantis should be able to service a wide spectrum of markets, clients and locations.

Vantis itself is known for its US forecasting system based on consumer behaviour intentions and market-modelling. Clients look to the results for guidance on product demand and product formulations. Its modelling work attempts to identify any one marketplace's particular dimensions in terms of value and volume. It also claims to offer insights on price elasticity, competitive actions, alternative marketing plans and potentially profitable market segments.

A brief look at the company history shows it was originally founded in 1990. In 1997, it became a division of The BASES Group, which has been part of ACNielsen since 1998. The global headquarters are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, in San Ramon, CA. Its European headquarters are in Paris. It employs 40 people in the U.S. and Europe, and had revenues of US$10 million in 2001. The client list to date covers a range of sectors, from consumer electronics and high tech to automotives, financial services, and telecoms.

According to Didier Truchot, co-chairman of the Ipsos Group, 'Vantis is recognised around the world as a leader in research-based marketing and product development consulting. Their addition to the Ipsos Group will be of particular interest and benefit to clients in the durable goods and services sectors who are looking for value-added consulting services and expertise in market modelling and forecasting. This latest acquisition further extends the breadth and scope of research services offered by Ipsos around the world. '

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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