Online Panels in 2011

TNS Launches Online Community Omnibus - 2/9/11

In the UK, TNS Omnibus has launched ChatterBus, which offers access in short time segments to general or targeted groups via an online community format.

QuestBack Buys Globalpark - 2/8/11

Norwegian online survey technology firm QuestBack has acquired and will merge with German panel and survey software firm Globalpark. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected that the joint company will exceed turnover of EUR 40 million within its first year of operation.

Ipsos Agrees to Buy Synovate for £525m - 27/7/11

Ipsos has agreed to acquire Synovate for £525m (EUR 595m), creating the world’s third largest market research company. The deal is to be funded with cash, new debt financing, and a rights offering to Ipsos shareholders.

CASRO and ESOMAR Team Up for Online Standard - 22/7/11

MR associations CASRO and ESOMAR are to join forces to develop and implement a standard promoting consistency and transparency in the online sampling process.

SSI and Opinionology Merge -2/6/11

Survey Sampling International (SSI) and US-based data collection specialist Opinionology are to merge to create a new company which will operate under the SSI brand.

e-Rewards Buys Conversition Strategies - 11/5/11

e-Rewards, the parent of online panel firm Research Now, has acquired social media market research agency Conversition Strategies, just two years after its launch by former Ipsos and NPD executives Jean Davis and Tessie Ting. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

SPA Future Thinking Buys The Munro Group - 21/4/11

UK-based full service agency SPA Future Thinking has acquired the Munro Group, the parent of research agencies FDS International, Maven Research, M-Lab, and 3000ft Strategic Insight. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Symphony Buys ImpactRx - 19/4/11

In the US, private equity firm Symphony Technology Group (STG) - the parent of retail market intelligence giant SymphonyIRI - has acquired a majority interest in physician panel provider ImpactRx. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Ugam and Techneos Link to Access Mobile Audience - 18/02/11

MR outsourcing firm Ugam Research Solutions has partnered with mobile survey technology provider Techneos, to deliver access to new audiences and behavioural data through mobile phones.

Former Arbitron CEO Joins iPinion Advisory Board - 12/01/11

In the US, Arbitron’s former President & CEO Michael Skarzynski has returned to the market research industry as a member of the iPinion Advisory Board of consumer insight firm Dexterity.