Outlook for Ipsos
December 4 2002
In a recent press conference, the directors of global agency Ipsos have indicated that the company has achieved its main objectives for 2002 and have reiterated their outlook for 2003.
The co-presidents of Ipsos, Jean-Marc Lech and Didier Truchot, pointed out that despite moderate growth in the marketing and social information market in 2002, the agency has achieved its main objectives:
- Significant revenue growth, resulting in organic growth of 8%, more than twice the market growth rate. It should be noted that North America and Latin America will benefit from a double-digit growth.
- An improvement in operating margin, despite heavy investment in improving operational resources.
- A stronger network due to a selective acquisitions policy in key markets such as Germany, Japan and China, along with promising markets like Russia and Poland. Ipsos now has subsidiaries in 35 countries, and is a leading player in at least 10 of the world's top 15 markets.
- Permanent development of skills, in order to bolster competitive positions.
In the space of three years, Ipsos has become a leading player in survey-based research. Ipsos is aiming to become the world leader in its field by stepping up efforts in its three main business areas: developing ever-closer relationships with an increasing number of large international clients, gradually shifting operations towards online data collection systems, which save time and improve the quality of information produced and developing services with greater value added. Ipsos now has the resources and teams required to deal with the complex issues involved in optimising marketing policy and managing brands.
In 2003, Ipsos' organic growth should be above that of 2002, with further strong progress in North America and Latin America as well as better performance in Europe. Measures taken in Europe by Ipsos in the spring of 2002 are already starting to pay off. Its operating ratios should improve for the sixth consecutive year.
Ipsos will continue to integrate new companies. This programme will be funded mainly out of the cash flow generated by ordinary operations.
Overall, 2003 will be an important stage in Ipsos' efforts to attain its targets, i.e. revenues of 1 billion euros and operating margin of at least 10% by 2005-2006.
All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.
