Ipsos Acquires Sample-INRA

Ipsos is to acquire top researcher Sample-INRA Group. The completed deal will propel Ipsos into a leading position among German survey-based companies.

According to Ipsos, the two companies combined will rank third in terms of revenues behind GfK and NFO-Infratest on the German market with a total turnover of Euro 65 million. Sample-INRA is Ipsos' second acquisition this year following its purchase of the US-based ACNielsen Vantis.

Sample was founded in 1963 by Hartwig Schröder. In 1983, it became a member of INRA (International Research Associates) Europe and three years later, Sample Institute became Sample INRA. The company is now based in Mölln and employs 225 full-time staff and 2,500 interviewers specially trained for CAPI and CATI surveys. Sample-INRA generated turnover of Euro 32.5 million last year, a 11% increase on 2000.

Asked about the impending union, Jean-Michel Carlo, Ipsos Europe CEO, commented, 'I am delighted with this acquisition which further strengthens our position in the German market research sector, the most important in Europe after the U.K. in terms of size. The stellar reputation of Sample-INRA researchers which took lead function in the development of the INRA network, gives Ipsos group clients access to additional capabilities in even more key sectors and country markets in Europe.'

Isa Schlöter, one of the two major Sample-INRA shareholders, added 'For Sample-INRA this operation constitutes an excellent opportunity to attain the global presence the company needs. The market research services which INRA previously offered on a national level or limited to a group of European countries can now be realised globally, enhanced by the new influx of expertise.'

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