TNS Buys in Central America

TNS has acquired Data Advanced Research, one of the leading market information companies in Central America. The acquisition enables TNS to extend its global reach into Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Data Advanced Research, which has more than 20 years experience in the market information industry in Central America and employs 50 highly qualified staff, will be renamed TNS Data with immediate effect.

The company runs a consumer panel covering more than 2,400 households across six Central American countries. Under the agreement TNS Data's consumer panel will also become part of the Latinpanel network, the leading consumer panel in Latin America jointly owned by TNS, the NPD Group, Inc. and the IBOPE group.

In addition to its panel activities Data Advanced provides a wide range of services and methodologies including quant and qual research, ad tracking, public opinion polling and mystery shopping. Its clients include leading multinational companies from all sectors, particularly FMCG and media.

Josep Montserrat, Director of TNS Worldpanel in Southern Europe & Latin America, commented: 'This acquisition will allow TNS to continue expanding its international network, especially in the Central American region. Thanks to the agreement with Latinpanel it is also a great opportunity to increase the quality of regional information about consumer behaviour patterns across the Americas'.

Silvia Paniagua, Managing Director of TNS Data, said: 'In joining the TNS group we will be able to offer our clients access to the exclusive range of TNS' Branded Solutions and increased specialist sector expertise... we are excited to be part of it'.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.