| |
Sponsored by:
|
|
|
iModerate Rolls Out New Language Capabilities - Feb 8 2010 In the US, online agency iModerate Research Technologies has rolled out new global language capabilities for its qual-for-quant and focus group solutions. Continue
Physician Research Resumes in Minnesota - Feb 5 2010 In the US, research companies can once again legally conduct market research with Minnesota healthcare practitioners, following revision of a document restricting payments. The law now exempts payments for participation in bona fide market and opinion research. Continue
comScore Hires Tech Chief from AOL - Feb 5 2010 In the US, online measurement specialist comScore has appointed former AOL ad technology leader Chris Nicotra as Chief Technology Officer, responsible for overseeing software and data application engineering, and the infrastructure technology teams. Continue
HCI Joins Kantar Health Unit - Feb 5 2010 ACNielsen HCI – a firm researching pharmaceutical promotions which was transferred to WPP in a 2008 regulatory asset swap – has been added to Kantar Health’s Marketing Insight practice. Continue
Econsultancy Hires to Expand US Research Practice - Feb 5 2010 London-based Internet research and training firm Econsultancy has hired former Marketing Sherpa Research Director Stefan Tornquist, to lead the US expansion of its research and best practice programs. Continue
Keynote Launches Web Visitor Insight Tool - Feb 5 2010 US-headquartered mobile and online testing specialist Keynote Systems has launched a service reporting web site visitors’ feedback alongside their path through the site, linking their attitudes to actual surfing behaviour. Continue
IMS Health Clears EC Takeover Hurdle - Feb 4 2010 Pharmaceutical research giant IMS Health has received clearance from the European Commission (EC) to proceed with its sale to US investment firms TPG Capital and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for $5.2bn. Continue
Omnibus Service Taps Online Communities - Feb 4 2010 US provider Digital Research Inc (DRI) has introduced a community platform called Waggle Omnibus, for use in online qualitative research. Continue
Forty Lose Jobs at Infogroup - Feb 3 2010 Database giant and ORC parent Infogroup has made 40 employees redundant as part of a companywide restructuring plan. Continue
Keynote Reports Steady First Quarter - Feb 2 2010 US-headquartered mobile and online testing specialist Keynote Systems has reported revenue of $20.7m for the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 (2009: $20.6m), and net income of $981k (2009: $886k). Continue
ToLuna Results ‘Ahead of Expectations’ - Feb 1 2010 Panel and technology services provider ToLuna has released a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2009. Revenue is expected to exceed £49m, slightly ahead of market expectations, with underlying pre-tax profit of at least £7m. Continue
Cash Infusion for Data Exchange BlueKai - Feb 1 2010 Auction-based online data exchange BlueKai has closed a $21m C round of financing led by GGV Capital (formerly Granite Global Ventures). The funds will be used to scale operations and, in particular, to grow the network of partners integrating its technology. Continue
Specialist Medical Omnibuses Launched - Feb 1 2010 US-based MDLinx has announced a new Omnibus offering for international pharmaceutical market research, among specialty physicians in eight treatment areas. Continue
Partners Link Web Ads to Phone Calls - Feb 1 2010 Call tracking specialist Mongoose Metrics has announced a partnership with Webtrends, to provide a transparent model for measuring the effect of online campaigns in driving phone calls, and subsequent business results. Continue
New Service Promises Quality Qual with Physicians - Feb 1 2010 Online physician data collection specialist Medefield has announced the launch of MedeQual, combining its global community of over 450,000 physicians with high quality access for clients, moderators and respondents across the world. Continue
Ipsos Buys OTX - Jan 28 2010 Ipsos has acquired LA-based hi-tech entertainment research specialist OTX (Online Testing Exchange) for an undisclosed sum. Continue
TNS Integrates Foresight with Stakeholder Unit - Jan 28 2010 TNS has integrated its US-based employee and customer behavioral research division The Foresight Group into its Global Stakeholder Management division. Continue
Ipsos Loyalty Hires Former Synovate R&D Leader - Jan 28 2010 Ipsos Loyalty – which focuses on helping companies improve business performance through customer satisfaction and relationship management – has appointed former Synovate executive Bruce Corner as a Senior Vice President with its US business. Continue
Harris Interactive Returns to Profit - Jan 27 2010 After eighteen months of losses, Harris Interactive has posted net income of $1.3m on revenue of $44.6m for the quarter ending December 31. Continue
LivePerson Buys Analytics Firm NuConomy for $3m - Jan 27 2010 In the US, LivePerson – which offers professional guidance online from qualified advisors in various fields – is reported to be acquiring web analytics firm NuConomy in a deal worth $3m. Continue
Vision Critical Relocates for Expanded UK Team - Jan 26 2010 Canadian-based custom panel and technology specialist Vision Critical has relocated its London office to accommodate its UK team, which has tripled in size in the last year. Continue
Stormy Dean Sues Infogroup - Jan 25 2010 Former Infogroup CFO Stormy Dean is suing the ORC parent for about $1.15m for severance and bonuses he says the company refuses to pay him. Continue
IBM Buy Further Enhances Analytics Offer - Jan 25 2010 Computer giant and SPSS owner IBM has agreed to acquire National Interest Security Company (NISC), a privately-held company offering advanced analytics and IT solutions to the public sector. Continue
Bing: Thanks for the (Shorter) Memory - Jan 25 2010 In a move that should please privacy advocates and regulators including the EC, Microsoft has announced changes to its data storage policy for the Bing search engine. Bing will now keep search data including IP addresses for just six months. Continue
CMB Launches Data Collection Network - Jan 25 2010 Boston, US-based Chadwick Martin Bailey (CMB) has launched a Global Certified Network of data collection companies which it says extends to over 90 countries worldwide. Continue
ForeSee Reports 32% Revenue Growth - Jan 22 2010 In the US, online customer satisfaction metrics firm ForeSee Results has reported a 32% revenue increase in 2009. Over two years, revenues have almost doubled. Continue
Pike Launches Energy Advisory Service - Jan 22 2010 In the US, clean technology market specialist Pike Research has launched the ‘Smart Grid Advisory Service’, a subscription-based tool that provides market intelligence and insights for companies in the energy technology sector. Continue
MRA Names Interim CEO - Jan 21 2010 In the US, the Marketing Research Association (MRA) has appointed Chief Operations Officer Kristen Darby as Interim CEO, until it has sourced a permanent replacement for Larry Brownell, who leaves at the end of the month. Continue
Harris Appoints Global Brand and Comms Head - Jan 21 2010 In the US, Harris Interactive has hired industry veteran Jeni Lee Chapman as Executive Vice President, Global Brand and Communication Consulting. Continue
Burke’s President & CEO Retires After 28 Years - Jan 20 2010 In the US, Dr Michael Baumgardner, the President & CEO of full service marketing research firm Burke, Inc., is to retire from the firm in October, after more than 28 years of service. He will be replaced by current President Jeff Miller. Continue
New Year / New Names for United Sample and DDW - Jan 20 2010 In the US, online panel specialist United Sample has changed its name to uSamp and re-vamped its web site, while global marketing research firm Data Development Worldwide (DDW) has rebranded as Radius Global Market Research. Continue
Decision Resources Buys BioTrends - Jan 19 2010 US pharmaceutical and health care specialist Decision Resources has acquired BioTrends Research Group, which provides syndicated and custom market research services to mid-size pharma markets. Terms were not disclosed. Continue
BrainJuicer Anticipates 26% Revenue Increase - Jan 19 2010 Online market research specialist BrainJuicer is anticipating revenue growth of around 26% to £11.7m (2008: £9.3m) for the year ended 31 December 2009, when it announces its full results on 9 March. Continue
DIY Survey Tool Offers Panel Access - Jan 19 2010 In the US, self-service survey software developer Ask Your Target Market has launched an online tool which it claims provides small businesses, entrepreneurs, and student researchers with access to customized target market research panels for under $30. Continue
Globalpark Debuts Remote Survey Monitoring - Jan 19 2010 Panel, community and survey software provider Globalpark has introduced a new feature that allows researchers to activate and monitor survey projects using their mobile phones. Continue
AlphaDetail Co-Founder Named President & CEO - Jan 19 2010 In the US, the Board of Directors of pharma market research specialist AlphaDetail has appointed co-founder Rishi Varma as President and CEO. Continue
Targeting Firm Gets $9m - Jan 18 2010 San Mateo, CA-based real-time personalisation firm Aggregate Knowledge (AK) has raised $9m in a Series C financing round led by OVP Venture Partners. Funds will be used to develop and roll out the firm's next-generation Discovery platform. Continue
VMS Expands Coverage - Jan 18 2010 Media intelligence firm VMS has announced the broad expansion of its real-time media monitoring services to include Internet, web print, social media and web video. Continue
Start-Up Dialsmith Buys Perception Analyzer - Jan 14 2010 In the US, full-service market research firm Market Strategies International has sold its audience data collection unit MSInteractive and its Perception Analyzer technology to start-up firm Dialsmith. Terms were not disclosed. Continue
Decision Resources Appoints for Restructure - Jan 14 2010 US pharma and healthcare research firm Decision Resources has restructured into two segments - Biopharma and Medical Technology – and made a number of promotions accordingly. Continue
B2B Ad Targeting Firm Reports 600% Growth - Jan 13 2010 US B2B audience targeting specialist Bizo has reported a record fourth quarter, with revenue of more than $5m representing a 600% year-over-year growth. Continue
New US President for The Research Partnership - Jan 13 2010 Global pharma market research specialist The Research Partnership has appointed industry veteran Harriet Kozak as US President, tasked with developing and strengthening the business across the country. Continue
comScore Hires AOL Veteran for New Product Role - Jan 13 2010 Online measurement firm comScore has appointed former AOL product specialist Eric Bosco for its new role of Chief Product Officer, to help drive the global development of syndicated products and services. Continue
IBS Global Consulting Expands to Canada - Jan 13 2010 Troy, Michigan-based firm IBS Global Consulting has opened a new branch in Toronto, Canada. Continue
Cegedim Buys US Health Care Specialist SK&A - Jan 12 2010 Cegedim Dendrite – the division of French pharma and healthcare data supplier Cegedim which provides CRM solutions for the life sciences industry – has acquired US healthcare data and research firm SK&A. Terms were not disclosed. Continue
New Firm to Advise MR providers - Jan 12 2010 In New York, former Harris Interactive exec Kyle Karnes has set up a consultancy to help market research agencies with their growth strategies, and advise them on merger and acquisition activity. Continue
InfoGroup Subsidiary Opens Research Arm - Jan 12 2010 infoGroup-owned list management firm Direct Media Millard (DMM) has launched a business intelligence consultancy offering research and analytics. Continue
Medical Panel Firm Resumes Original Name - Jan 12 2010 US online healthcare market research firm Panel Intelligence has reverted to its original name, MedPanel, following its management buyout (MBO) in 2009. The owners say the move reflects the firm’s ‘singular focus’ on the health care sector. Continue
MarketTools Rolls Out DIY Communities Tool - Jan 8 2010 Online research specialist MarketTools has launched a new self-service tool to enable users to create and deploy online communities, through which they can engage in real-time conversations with their current or target customers. Continue
Social Media Specialist Filtrbox Acquired - Jan 8 2010 In the US, software firm Jive has acquired social media monitoring firm Filtrbox. Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed. Continue
Web Analytics Specialist Opens on West Coast - Jan 8 2010 In the US, St Louis-based online marketing firm tSunela has opened an office in Portland, Oregon, to offer its range of web analytics, search engine optimization and social media marketing services to clients on the west coast. Continue
Reid (No Relation) is New Vision Critical MD - Jan 6 2010 Canadian-based custom panel and technology specialist Vision Critical has appointed former GfK Director Andrew Iain Reid as Managing Director of Corporate Development. Continue
Client-side Researchers ‘Lead Analytics Adoption’ - Jan 6 2010 US client-side market researchers are significantly more likely to use ‘Next Generation’ analytics techniques than their supplier-side counterparts, according to a report released by non-profit networking organization Next Gen Market Research (NGMR). Continue
Gartner Buys Again - Jan 5 2010 IT research and consulting specialist Gartner has announced its second major acquisition in five weeks, buying competitor the Burton Group for around $56m in cash. Continue
New Decade, New Identity for Infogroup - Jan 5 2010 Database giant Infogroup has announced a rebrand, aimed at providing clients with ‘a more unified approach’. MR subsidiary Opinion Research Corporation is among the major brands keeping their identity while strengthening their positioning as an Infogroup company. Continue
New Social Media Offering from WiseWindow - Jan 5 2010 Web measurement technology firm WiseWindow has announced a new system for mining and analyzing opinions expressed in social media, and isolating mentions of specific companies and products to produce actionable reports. Continue
MRA Names Officers and Candidates - Jan 5 2010 US professional body MRA (the Marketing Research Association) has announced the nominations for its 2010-2011 Board of Directors, and confirmed Elisa Galloway of Galloway Research Service as President for the year. Continue
Logical Move for Thomson Reuters - Jan 4 2010 Business intelligence giant Thomson Reuters has acquired Discovery Logic, Inc, a provider of customizable analytics and decision support solutions for scientific research. Financial terms were not disclosed. Continue
RelevantView Merges into Sister Company - Jan 4 2010 Web-based market research solutions firm RelevantView is being merged into database technology developer Imperium LLC. Both organisations are based in Connecticut, USA, and both were founded by Marshall Harrison, CEO of the new, combined company. Continue
IAB Updates Digital Video Guidelines - Dec 23 2009 In the US, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has updated its Digital Video Ad Impression Measurement Guidelines, to establish the latest parameters for accurate counting. Continue
Echometrix Splits into PULSE Data Analytics and FamilySafe - Dec 23 2009 US web analytics firm Echometrix has re-structured by splitting into two separate divisions – PULSE Data Analytics and FamilySafe. Continue
Launch of MindQuest Surveys - Dec 22 2009 In the US, former Millard Group researcher Barbara Jackson has set up her own full service agency, offering clients help in understanding their customers, patients and employees. Continue
SmarterTools Upgrades Web Analytics Tool - Dec 22 2009 US developer SmarterTools has rolled out the latest edition of its web analytics software SmarterStats, which aims to help businesses enhance their SEO (search engine optimization) strategy and attract new web site visitors. Continue
e-Rewards Completes Research Now Buy - Dec 21 2009 US-based e-Rewards has completed its £85.1m acquisition of UK-headquartered online panel specialist Research Now. Continue
Motif to Open in Costa Rica - Dec 21 2009 Motif – a US-based business process outsourcing (BPO) firm that provides research and analytics, customer support and back office processing – is investing $2.5m in a new 500 seat service center in Costa Rica, to open in January. Continue
US MR Confidence Edges Up - Dec 18 2009 The last quarter saw a marginal improvement in US researcher confidence, according to the Marketing Research Association’s Research Industry Index (RII). Continue
Sybase Targets Middle Eastern BI Market - Dec 18 2009 Information services company Sybase has partnered with US-based firm Information Builders to target what it sees as a major opportunity providing business intelligence (BI) in the Middle East. Continue
Chilean Growth for KPO Firm - Dec 18 2009 KPO provider Evalueserve is expanding its operations in Chile. The company, which first opened in the country in 2006, says the expansion will meet current and anticipated customer demand as part of its global strategy. Continue
BPM Buy for IBM - Dec 18 2009 Computer and consulting giant IBM has announced plans to buy business process management (BPM) solutions firm Lombardi, as it continues its expansion into the market for business data software. Continue
Noonan Leaves SPSS Following IBM Buy - Dec 17 2009 Jack Noonan, the CEO of MR software firm SPSS, has been replaced by IBM veteran Deepak Advani, following the firm’s acquisition. Continue
SeeWhy Raises $2m Investment - Dec 17 2009 US web analytics provider SeeWhy has completed a second round of funding, raising an additional $2m which it plans to use to support its growth in web site conversion solutions. The firm is also planning to add additional investors throughout 2010. Continue
KN Expands Pharma Presence with CMR Buy - Dec 16 2009 Knowledge Networks (KN) has expanded its position in the pharma and biotech research market with the acquisition of CMR (Caduceus Marketing Research), which runs the Physicians Consulting Network (PCN) panel of 70,000 US physicians and healthcare professionals. Continue
IBM Debuts Customer Service Analytics Solution - Dec 16 2009 IBM has introduced a subscription-based analytics offer that mines diverse data sources from customer service interactions, to deliver a single view of customer sentiment. Continue
comScore Launches AdEffx - Dec 11 2009 Online measurement firm comScore has launched AdEffx™, billed as ‘a complete toolkit for measuring ad effectiveness for any campaign objective with unparalleled accuracy’. Continue
Bloomberg Buys New Energy Specialist - Dec 10 2009 Business and financial information giant Bloomberg has announced the acquisition of news, data and analysis firm New Energy Finance (NEF), whose services include custom research as well as database and subscription-based insight products. Continue
Confirmit’s Plum Deal - Dec 10 2009 Online MR software provider Confirmit has struck a deal with automated telephony solutions provider Plum Voice to offer North American customers ‘a complete data collection platform’. Continue
Webtrends Upgrade Gives Real-Time Data - Dec 8 2009 Online audience data specialist Webtrends has released a new version of its flagship Analytics package, offering real-time data and alerts which trigger when key web site metrics reach, or fail to reach, pre-set targets. Continue
Australian MR Leader Joins Vision Critical - Dec 7 2009 Custom panel firm Vision Critical has announced the hiring of former Colmar Brunton MD and current AMSRS President Peter Harris as its new Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. Continue
Boom Year for Vegas Researcher - Dec 7 2009 Las Vegas-based MR and public opinion firm Precision Opinion has announced a record year of growth, with the addition of more than 200 jobs, and a further 185 hires planned from January 2010. Continue
Sorrell Still Battening Down the Hatches - Dec 3 2009 WPP Chief Martin Sorrell has told a Reuters summit that with ‘vicious’ price activity in the market, he expects the group's 2010 revenues to be flat. Sorrell says new business activity in his media businesses is strong, but in MR and creative functions there is less cheer. Continue
Webcam Panel Product Launched - Dec 3 2009 QualVu, which provides online video-based research solutions, has announced a new product offering instant and ongoing access to webcam-enabled panels for face-to-face qual insights. Continue
Gartner Buy Brings Supply Chain Expertise - Dec 2 2009 IT research giant Gartner, Inc. has agreed to acquire supply chain specialist AMR Research, Inc. for approximately $64 million in cash. Continue
Forrester Buys Strategic Oxygen - Dec 2 2009 Technology consulting group Forrester Research has announced the acquisition of the Strategic Oxygen business from Massachusetts, USA-based Monitor Group, for an undisclosed sum. Continue
Harris Regains Nasdaq Compliance - Dec 1 2009 Harris Interactive has regained its compliance with the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards, which require listed firms’ stock to be valued at a minimum of a dollar per share. Continue
Strong Year for Kadence - Dec 1 2009 B2B specialist Kadence International has reported a 20% rise in revenue for its insight division, and overall growth of 9% to $11.3m during the financial year 2008-2009. Continue
Health Care Specialist Opens Research and Consulting Wing - Dec 1 2009 US healthcare marketing services firm Cadient Interactive has launched a new practice, HATCH Consulting, to provide clients with services including market and user experience research to support their interactive campaigns. Continue
EMANIO Links Predictive Analytics with Business Intelligence - Nov 20 2009 Business intelligence and data integration software firm EMANIO has developed two tools to help small and medium sized companies evaluate not just what has happened in the past, but also anticipate what’s to come in the future. Continue
American Express Opens Insights Division - Nov 19 2009 In the US, American Express has launched a new analytics and consulting division, to help business customers develop better-informed growth strategies. Continue
Cossette Receives Further Buy-Out Bid - Nov 18 2009 In Canada, marcoms and ad group Cossette has received a further offer from Cosmos Capital to buy the firm, following last week’s news that its Board had accepted an offer to be acquired by US private equity firm Mill Road for C$131.5m in cash or $7.87 a share. Continue
MMA to Offer Mobile Marketing Intelligence - Nov 18 2009 In the US, non-profit trade association The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) has launched a mobile-enabled research panel, designed to provide brands and agencies with insights into marketers’ integrated mobile campaigns, objectives and outcomes. Continue
Nunwood to Expand in Europe, AsiaPac and US - Nov 18 2009 UK-headquartered global insight consultancy Nunwood has announced plans to open four new offices early next year, starting with New Zealand and Australia and following up with launches in both The Netherlands and California later in the first quarter of 2010. Continue
STB Measurement First Priority for CIMM - Nov 17 2009 The recently launched Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) is to make digital set-top-box data (STB) its first priority, following a recent meeting held with audience measurement leaders. Continue
InsightExpress Relocates to Waterfront Location - Nov 17 2009 In the US, online agency InsightExpress has moved its headquarters to larger premises overlooking the waterfront in Stamford, Connecticut. Continue
GH Korea Joins Harris Interactive Global Partner Network - Nov 16 2009 Market research and consulting firm GH Korea (formerly Global Research Institute) has become the newest member of the Harris Interactive Global Partner Network. Continue
Nielsen Reports 1% Drop in Revenue during ‘Steady’ Quarter - Nov 12 2009 Nielsen’s group revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2009 were down 1% to $1.25bn from the same period last year. CFO Brian West described the quarter as having been ‘steady’. Continue
KPO Firm Snaps Up Grail Research - Nov 11 2009 US knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) firm Integreon has acquired Grail Research, which provides market intelligence and strategic research to global corporations. Terms were not disclosed. Continue
Cossette Accepts $131.5m Take-Over Bid - Nov 10 2009 In Canada, the Board of marcoms and ad group Cossette has accepted an offer to be acquired by US private equity firm Mill Road for $131.5m in cash. Continue
IMS Acquires Young Market Research - Nov 10 2009 US electronics market research specialist IMS Research has acquired recently founded Young Market Research (YMR), which provides marketing intelligence and consulting in the solar, solid-state lighting and display industries. Terms were undisclosed. Continue
Former Accenture President Joins Nunwood - Nov 6 2009 UK-based global insight consultancy Nunwood has appointed James Walker, former global President of Accenture Marketing Sciences as Chief Strategy and Development Officer. Continue
Judge Rules for Gartner in Damages Case - Nov 6 2009 A California court has dismissed a software firm’s claim for $132m in damages from technology researcher Gartner, over supposed defamation, trade libel and other charges based on its treatment in a published report. Continue
BPO Firms Merge - Nov 6 2009 BPO (business processing outsourcing) firm American Pacesetters has acquired Indian BPO company IQ Resource (IQR), which supports customers in the US and UK. The combined firms will now be known as iPacesetters and be headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. Continue
IMS Health to be Sold for $5.2bn - Nov 5 2009 Pharmaceutical research giant IMS Health has agreed to be sold to private equity firm TPG Capital and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for $5.2bn. Continue
ISG Q3 Revenue Drops 21% - Nov 5 2009 Information Services Group (ISG), which owns outsourcing data and advisory firm TPI, has reported a 21% decline in third quarter revenues to $32.5m from $41.1m in Q3 2008. Continue
Partners Study Impact of Free Web Knowledge - Nov 4 2009 comScore has partnered with non-profit organization the Wikimedia Foundation to improve understanding of the reach and impact of free knowledge on the web. Continue
The Modellers Name New President and COO - Nov 4 2009 US market research and advanced analytics firm The Modellers has named former Harris Interactive executive Mark Wirthlin as President and Chief Operating Officer. Continue
Market Research Revenue Down 16% at infoGroup - Nov 3 2009 Data giant infoGroup has reported revenue for its MR firms down 16% to $24m in quarter three, with an operating loss of $700k compared with operating income of $1.4m for the prior year period. Continue
infoGroup Looks at Sale Options - Nov 2 2009 ORC parent and database giant infoGroup has responded to a press report that it is taking bids to sell the company, by stating that it is evaluating its operations and prospects to determine what is in the best interests of all shareholders. Continue
Gartner and Forrester See Revenues Fall - Nov 2 2009 Technology research rivals Forrester Research and Gartner have both posted significant declines – of nine and ten per cent respectively - in their third quarter revenues. Continue
‘LUV’ in the Air for ‘Less Worse’ WPP - Oct 30 2009 WPP has reported a like-for-like revenue decline of 8.7% for the third quarter – a smaller drop than was seen in the second quarter. Consumer insight revenues stayed depressed although margin was better. The firm also pointed to strong regional differences and predicted a ‘LUV’ shaped recession. Continue
comScore Plans 8% Job Cuts Despite Growth - Oct 30 2009 comScore has announced financial results for the third quarter of 2009, with revenue up 4% year-on-year to $31.9m. However, it also plans a ‘realignment of resources’ which is expected to see its headcount fall by 8%. Continue
Harris Cuts Losses Despite Revenue Dip - Oct 30 2009 Harris Interactive has announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, with revenue of $38.9m, down $11.3m or 23% on the previous period, but operating loss almost eliminated due to cost-cutting measures. Continue
comScore Buys into Latin America - Oct 30 2009 Online audience specialist comScore has agreed to acquire Santiago, Chile-based web measurement firm Certifica, expanding its Latin American footprint and positioning it for further growth there. Continue
Revenue Up 52% at Peanut Labs - Oct 29 2009 Online sample company Peanut Labs has posted third quarter revenue growth of 52.3% from the prior year period. Continue
‘Thought Leader’ Panel Launched - Oct 29 2009 Public relations firm MWW Group has launched a panel of ‘online thought leaders’, to generate new insights specific to a number of industry sectors. Continue
Q3 Revenue up 10% at iPerceptions - Oct 29 2009 Canadian customer analytics provider iPerceptions has reported that its third quarter revenues increased 10% to $1.2m, helping revenues for the first nine months to climb 14% to $3.6m. However, the firm’s losses also rose to $1m for the period. Continue
InfoGroup Fires EVP Stormy Dean - Oct 27 2009 ORC parent and database giant InfoGroup has fired one of its top executives, EVP and General Manager Stormy Dean, a fourteen year veteran of the company. Continue
451 Group Buys Data Center Think Tank - Oct 27 2009 In the US, IT research and analyst firm The 451 Group has acquired The Uptime Institute, a think tank consultancy which has developed a system for comparing data center facilities. Terms were not disclosed. Continue
MDC Partners Forms Consumer Insights Group - Oct 27 2009 Marcoms agency MDC Partners has formed a Consumer Insights Group, to develop data and analytics capabilities for use by MDC companies wishing to analyze clients’ integrated digital and multi-channel media campaigns. Continue
Riddell Leaves KantarHealth, Cooke Becomes Global CEO - Oct 26 2009 In the US, KantarHealth Joint CEO Elaine Riddell has decided to leave the company to ‘pursue other opportunities’: Joint CEO Lynnette Cooke assumes sole global CEO responsibilities with immediate effect. Continue
e-Rewards and Research Now Agree Terms - Oct 23 2009 Less than two days after it was announced that e-Rewards was considering buying online panel specialist Research Now, the firms have agreed on the terms of a cash acquisition, which values Research Now at around £85.1m. Continue
Harris Interactive Asia President to Depart - Oct 23 2009 Harris Interactive’s Asia President Anthony Venus has decided to leave the firm in mid-November. He will re-locate from Hong Kong to Sydney, where he plans to pursue a career in private equity. Continue
IMS Health Revenue Drops 6% in Q3 - Oct 22 2009 Pharma market research giant IMS Health has reported a 6% drop in third-quarter revenue to $540.8m, compared with $573.7m a year earlier. The news follows reports earlier in the week that the Board of Directors is considering selling the company. Continue
AlphaDetail Adds to Tracking Services - Oct 22 2009 Pharma market research firm AlphaDetail has added two new features, AlphaLink and AlphaMonitor, to its suite of tracking services. Continue
e-Rewards Looks at Research Now Buy - Oct 21 2009 US-based e-Rewards has made an indicative approach to online panel specialist Research Now, which may lead to an offer for the latter’s entire share capital. The price would be not less than £4.30 in cash per share. Continue
Globalpark Hires Former Toluna MD - Oct 21 2009 Online panel management supplier Globalpark has appointed Toluna’s former MD for Germany, Boris von Heeson as Managing Director for Enterprise Feedback Solutions. Continue
IMS Health ‘Considering Sale’ - Oct 20 2009 According to reports, pharma market research giant IMS Health is in talks with several private equity firms regarding selling the company. Continue
REvolution Gets $9m, Hires SPSS Founder as CEO - Oct 20 2009 Norman Nie, the founder of analytics giant SPSS, has been named CEO of statistical computing language specialist REvolution Computing. The firm has also received $9m funding from investment firms Bridge Venture Partners and Intel Capital. Continue
Funds for Live Feedback Firm - Oct 19 2009 London-based customer engagement specialist Fizzback has secured £1.6m in capital, earmarked for expansion into the US and continental Europe. Continue
Synovate Extends Oncology Monitor - Oct 16 2009 Synovate Healthcare has expanded the reach of its Global Oncology Monitor to eight new markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Continue
Partners Make Open-Ended Commitment - Oct 15 2009 Research software provider Confirmit and text analytics specialist Clarabridge have formed a partnership aimed at refining the value of open-ended customer responses. Continue
iPerceptions Buys Web Analytics Tools - Oct 14 2009 Canadian customer analytics provider iPerceptions has bought a number of web analytics products from industry practitioner Stéphane Hamel. Terms were not disclosed. Continue
Angus Reid and Vision Critical to Merge - Oct 13 2009 In Canada, custom panel and technology specialist Vision Critical is to merge with sister firm, public opinion and MR agency Angus Reid Strategies, DRNO has learned. The combined firm will be known as Vision Critical and Angus Reid Strategies will operate as its public opinion practice. Continue
YouGov Weathers Difficult Year - Oct 12 2009 YouGov has reported results for the year ended 31st July, with turnover up 10% to £44.3m, but down after allowing for currency effects. Normalised operating profit fell from £8.7m to £3.1m but markets reacted favourably to the figures. Continue
Sunshine Act Threatens Physician Response - Oct 8 2009 A study has shown that more than 30% of physicians may no longer participate in market research if the Sunshine Payment Act is implemented, requiring drug and device manufacturers to disclose incentive payments over $20 for market research. Continue
Forrester Tracks Tech Habits of Information Workers - Oct 8 2009 Forrester Research has launched a survey which is designed to uncover the technology adoption habits of information workers ('iWorkers'). Continue
Tool Measures Employees’ Effect on Profit - Oct 8 2009 In Canada, The Verde Group has launched a system to which determines how employee behavior affects customer experiences, and how this impacts on company profitability. Continue
Firms Partner to Deliver Crowdsourcing in Europe - Oct 7 2009 Netherlands-based community insight agency CreativeCrowds has announced a partnership with Canadian crowdsourcing technology firm Cambrian House. Using the latter’s flagship Chaordix product, the partners will design and deliver crowdsourcing platforms to organizations in Europe. Continue
Real-Time Employee Benchmarking ‘First’ - Oct 7 2009 In the US, research technology firm eePulse has introduced an employee engagement benchmarking survey, which it says it the first to provide real-time research on what drives a firm’s or individual’s performance. Continue
Launched Today: MR Trends, Technologies and Techniques - Oct 6 2009 The biggest new MrWeb section in nine years opens today with launch articles from five research luminaries. ‘MRT’ is an online home for custom panel builders, mobile researchers, data miners, neuromarketers and many others at the leading edge of what we broadly define as ‘MR’. Continue
KN Buys Display Ad Survey Firm Dimestore - Oct 6 2009 US-based consumer specialist Knowledge Networks (KN) has acquired Dimestore Media (DSM), a firm which has developed technology which adds consumer surveys directly into online ads. Continue
Forrester to Move HQ - Oct 6 2009 In the US, Forrester Research is planning to develop new corporate headquarters about four miles from its existing offices in Technology Square, Cambridge, MA. Continue
Lightspeed Names Panel Expert as New COO - Oct 6 2009 Former Ipsos operations head Efrain Ribeiro has joined online panel specialist Lightspeed Research as Chief Operating Officer, based in the US and responsible for global online operations. Continue
IBM Completes SPSS Buy - Oct 5 2009 IBM has completed its $1.2bn acquisition of MR software and predictive analytics giant SPSS. The completion was announced on Friday after SPSS shareholders gave their approval. Continue
Global MR Operations Business Formed - Oct 5 2009 Three agencies, Acrobat Research, Cimigo and EuroInterview are combining to create a new global operations business called Cido Research. Continue
Pajot is New IMS Vice Chair - Oct 5 2009 Pharma market research giant IMS Health has appointed Gilles Pajot in the new position of Vice Chairman. Previously the company’s COO, he continues to report to Chairman and CEO David R. Carlucci. Continue
Firms Invest in Sri Lankan KPO Resource - Oct 5 2009 Mumbai, India-based KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) firm Adventity, Inc. and Canadian firm Revanalytics are joining forces to set up a new Sri Lankan-based company, whose services will include market research and BPO solutions. Continue
IBM Opens NYC Analytics Center - Oct 2 2009 IBM has opened its first US-based Business Analytics Solution Center in New York, to provide clients with mathematical, modeling and optimization services. Continue
Sermo Hones Physician Panels - Sep 30 2009 US online physician community provider Sermo has launched an on-demand offering, which enables users to engage with and start private online conversations with a targeted group of medical practitioners. Continue
Survey Fraud Solution May Breach Privacy Law - Sep 29 2009 The practice of ‘digital fingerprinting’ may breach Canadian privacy laws – and by extension those of many European and Asian countries - according to a statement today by Canada’s Marketing Research and Intelligence Association. Continue
Global Giants Drive Latest ARF Quality Move - Sep 29 2009 In the US, the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) is piloting a program to develop industry-standard methodologies for online audience research and measurement. The Quality Enhancement Process will be tested later this year by firms including P&G, Coca-Cola, Kraft, Microsoft and General Motors. Continue
SSI Opens in Mexico - Sep 29 2009 Survey Sampling International (SSI) has announced the opening of an office in Mexico City, servicing clients conducting online and telephone research throughoutout Latin America. Continue
SPSS Settles Trademark Case - Sep 28 2009 MR software giant SPSS has announced that it has settled its trademark case with company founder Norman Nie over use of its name. The company is due to put its $1.2 billion acquisition by IBM to shareholders’ vote this Friday, while the litigation was due to come to trial the following Monday. Continue
USA TODAY Opens Research and Marketing Arm - Sep 22 2009 News publisher USA TODAY has launched a research and marketing unit, Buzz Bureau, to help clients find non-traditional ways to engage with their customers and identify new trends and market information. Continue
Cambiar Opens Marketing Practice - Sep 22 2009 US-based Cambiar – the management consultancy dedicated to the market research industry – has opened a Marketing and Product Consulting Practice, to help companies position and market themselves and their product portfolios. Continue
Krajicek Moves Up to MD, GfK Technology - Sep 22 2009 In New Jersey, GfK Custom Research North America has promoted David Krajicek to Managing Director, GfK Technology. Continue
Omniture and comScore to Offer Unified Measurement - Sep 21 2009 US web analytics firm Omniture and online measurement specialist comScore have partnered to deliver what they describe as a ‘unified digital audience measurement system’. Continue
Phorm Slashes First Half Loss - Sep 21 2009 Behavioural ad targeting company Phorm has reported a $15m pre-tax loss for the first half of the year; down from $25.6m in the same period last year. Separately, Chief Technology Officer Stratis Scleparis has announced he is leaving the firm. Continue
Harris Knuckles Rapped Over Share Price - Sep 21 2009 In the US, the Nasdaq Stock Market has given Harris Interactive 180 days to increase its share price, as this has now fallen below the $1 per share requirement for the previous 30 consecutive business days. Continue
Change at the Top for RS Consulting - Sep 18 2009 MR and consulting group Cello has appointed a new senior management team to lead its subsidiary RS Consulting. Jane Shirley adds the role of Chairwoman of RS to her existing responsibilities as CEO of Cello Research and joint MD of Insight, while RS’s Group MD Neil Swann is leaving. Continue
In-Stat Debuts TV and Wi-Fi Databases - Sep 17 2009 Tech specialist In-Stat has launched three new database research services, providing detailed market, product and technology data on global pay TV subscribers, set top boxes (STB), and Wi-Fi enabled products. Continue
Adobe Snaps Up Omniture - Sep 16 2009 Graphic design and display software giant Adobe Systems Incorporated is to acquire web analytics and online business optimization firm Omniture, Inc. for around $1.8 billion. Continue
Follett Takes Top Job at Authentic Response - Sep 16 2009 Sampling and data collection provider Authentic Response has hired former SSI leader Jim Follett as its Chief Executive Officer, to replace Matt Blumberg as CEO; and has announced the closing of a funding series. Continue
Behavioural Targeting Buy for Online Ad Firm - Sep 16 2009 LA-based ad solutions firm the Rubicon Project has acquired behavioural targeting specialist Others Online, aiming to expand its ad optimization platform. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Continue
RG+A Launches Tracker - Sep 15 2009 US health care specialist Roger Green and Associates (RG+A) has announced the launch of DPS® Tracker, the first ATU/tracking system based on its established patient-centered Dynamic Practice Simulation (DPS) methodology. Continue
DIY Survey Package Launched - Sep 15 2009 A new service billed as ‘instant, affordable, targeted market research’ is launched this week in beta form. Surveys at AskYourTargetMarket.com start at around thirty dollars. Continue
Charity Initiative Promises Huge Panel - Sep 14 2009 In the US, professional association the CMO Council has announced the launch of ‘Pause for a Cause’, a program which aims to direct millions of dollars in funds to good causes in exchange for survey responses. Major charities and corporations are among those backing the initiative. Continue
New North American MD for GfK - Sep 11 2009 GfK Custom Research North America has announced the appointment of Kimberly Bastoni as Group MD for Marketing, Business Development, and Global Key Account Management. Continue
SPSS Q2 Revenues Slide 8% - Sep 9 2009 MR software and predictive analytics giant SPSS has reported second quarter revenues of $69.7m, down 8% from the previous year period. Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009, totalled $141.8m, also down 8% from the same period in 2008. Continue
Global MR Revenues Flat in 2008 - Sep 8 2009 Global market research revenues grew 4.5% to $32bn in 2008, according to the ESOMAR Global Market Research Report. However, the organisation says that this equates to a net increase of only 0.4% after taking into account inflation. Continue
Firms Link to Develop Aus / NZ Insight Communities - Sep 8 2009 US-based Communispace – which creates online customer insight communities – has partnered with Australian ad hoc market research agency Colmar Brunton to develop private online communities in the Asia Pacific region. Continue
Ugam Expands US Presence - Sep 3 2009 India-based market research outsourcing firm Ugam Research Solutions has increased its US client service and project management capabilities with ten new staff appointments. Continue
Transatlantic Link for Brand and Comms Researchers - Sep 3 2009 New York-headquartered MSW – previously McCollum Spielman Worldwide – has partnered with UK-based Insight Engineers to introduce its brand and communications research approaches across Europe. Continue
US Director for The Research Partnership - Sep 3 2009 Healthcare and pharma MR agency The Research Partnership has appointed industry specialist Dr Chris Gaj as Director of its US operations, based in Philadelphia. Continue
GfK Healthcare Introduces Managed Markets Omnibus - Sep 2 2009 In the US, GfK Healthcare has introduced a quarterly omnibus, ‘Managed Markets Delegates on Demand’, to provide pharma marketers with access to a panel of key decision makers. Continue
October Date for SPSS / IBM Vote - Sep 1 2009 MR software and predictive analytics giant SPSS will be holding a special meeting of shareholders on 2 October, to provide them with an opportunity to vote on selling the company to IBM. Continue
Synovate Steps up Cost Cutting after H1 Loss - Aug 28 2009 Synovate parent Aegis has reported an 86% drop in first half pre-tax profits to £6.6m despite growing revenues by 4.8%. The research agency itself made an underlying operating loss of £3.2m in the first half, compared with a £7.9m profit a year earlier. Continue
Media Gurus to Drive Rentrak Video Research - Aug 27 2009 In the US, multi-screen media measurement firm Rentrak has appointed Bruce Goerlich as Chief Research Officer and Dr Michael Vinson as Vice President of Statistical Sciences and Analytics. The new positions have been created to push the development of video ad research products. Continue
HCD Adds Media Mix Modeling - Aug 27 2009 US marketing and comms specialist HCD Research has added media mix modeling to its services for advertisers, with the aim of providing a ‘holistic approach’ to understanding and analyzing the impact of all advertising efforts and expenditures. Continue
Green Building Tech Tracker Rolls Out - Aug 27 2009 In the US, analyst and consultant Frost & Sullivan has introduced a subscription-based market tracking program to assess awareness, adoption, plans and spending in the commercial green building sector. Continue
Ipsos Posts 3.2% Revenue Decline, Predicts Gloomy 2009 - Aug 26 2009 Ipsos has reported a 3.2% decline in first half revenues to €447.8m, compared with the same period in 2008. The firm says it would be unrealistic to hope for the second half of 2009 to be much better. Continue
WPP Net Profit Halves in H1 - Aug 26 2009 UK marcoms giant and Kantar-owner WPP has reported a 47.9% drop in first-half net profit to £108.4m from £208.2m a year earlier, but predicts a brighter performance for the rest of 2009. Like-for-like consumer insight revenue was down 10%. Continue
Webtrends Unveils DIY Segmentation Tool - Aug 25 2009 Site traffic analysis firm Webtrends has launched a self-service testing and segmentation tool, which helps marketers identify and publish top-converting web content and perform advanced customer targeting with little or no IT assistance. Continue
WPP-Watchers Cautious; Brits Generally Optimistic - Aug 24 2009 Analysts expect ad giant and Kantar owner WPP to cut its sales forecast again this week. However the firm’s debt position and strategic focus are considered solid, while buoyant reports in the UK press suggest business confidence in general has turned the corner. Continue
Harris Revenue Dive Continues - Aug 21 2009 Harris Interactive has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2009, showing a 23% decline in annual revenue. Continue
Research Confidence Index Lifts a Fraction - Aug 21 2009 The Research Industry Index (RII) compiled by the US association MRA has shown its first slight upturn in eighteen months. Continue
Google Analyses the Future - Aug 21 2009 The latest release of Google Insights for Search looks into the future and predicts what will be searched for, based on a combination of current searches and the way trends have developed in the past. Continue
ABI Opens Research-Based Events Firm - Aug 21 2009 US tech specialist ABI Research has launched a senior management-focused events company, which will tap into the parent firm’s portfolio of market intelligence and quantitative analytics, as well as its global team of analysts. Continue
AMEX Business Travel Opens Research Practice - Aug 20 2009 In the US, American Express Business Travel has opened a dedicated research practice to help companies cut the cost of their business trips. Continue
ACE Unveils Online Research Definitions - Aug 20 2009 Researchers who joined together to form the Association Collaborative Effort (ACE) last September, have announced their first combined effort – a set of terms and definitions for online research. Continue
Launch for Analysis Unit LnxPharma - Aug 19 2009 In the US, Lnx Research has launched a new market research division called LnxPharma, dedicated to using social network analysis (SNA) tools and techniques to help pharma, biotech and government clients better understand how communities function. Continue
Mystery Shopper Network Launched - Aug 19 2009 A New York firm has launched a new online mystery shopper exchange, to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for recruiters and job seekers. Inpulse Shopper aims to help researchers in the US and Canada find mystery shoppers, while also connecting job seekers with legitimate firms. Continue
GfK Healthcare Debuts ‘Brand Personality’ Tool - Aug 18 2009 In the US, GfK Healthcare has launched a suite of healthcare-specific brand positioning and diagnostic tools for measuring the ‘cognitive and emotional strengths’ of a brand. Continue
TPSi Launches FutureThinker Panel - Aug 18 2009 UK-based healthcare market research agency The Planning Shop international has launched a panel which it claims provides access to the market shapers of the future. Continue
In-Touch Gives Q3 Warning - Aug 18 2009 In Canada, In-Touch Survey Systems has reported an 8% increase in Q2 revenue to $1.41m, thanks largely to the strength of its manual data collection business. However, the firm warns of a tough half-year ahead because of cancelled orders. Continue
Cognizant Expands Phoenix Presence - Aug 17 2009 IT and BPO (business process outsourcing) firm Cognizant is expanding its Phoenix-based delivery center to include BPO services, and is planning to hire more than 100 members of staff there over the next 12 months. Continue
GfK Improves on Poor First Quarter - Aug 13 2009 GfK has reported a decline in sales and operating income during the first half of the year despite an improvement in the second quarter. In organic terms, first half sales were down 8.5%. Continue
Contact Center Research Market Bucks Downturn - Aug 12 2009 The market for contact center feedback and surveys is predicted to grow by 6% in 2009, 5% in 2010, and 8% in 2011, according to a study conducted by market research and consulting services firm DMG Consulting. The estimates are based on performance in 2008 and activity to date in 2009. Continue
SPSS ‘Held Out for $50 a Share’ - Aug 11 2009 Prior to agreeing to IBM’s $1.2bn acquisition offer, MR software and predictive analytics giant SPSS rejected approaches from two other companies, and two initial offers from IBM itself, according to an SEC filing on Monday. Continue
Datascension Profit Soars in Q2 - Aug 11 2009 Global outsourcing solutions firm Datascension (DSEN) has posted gross profit of $770,877 for the quarter ended June 30, up 178% on the same period in 2008. Continue
Metrics Firm Buys to Boost Google Capability - Aug 11 2009 Arizona-based web site measurement firm Actual Metrics has bolstered its position as a Google Analytics support expert with the acquisition of part of Burlington, VT-based EpikOne Inc. Continue
Minimal Growth for MR’s Global Top 25 - Aug 10 2009 Revenues for the top 25 global research firms increased 3.9% last year, to $18.9bn, according to the new Honomichl Global Top 25 ranking, to be published in the AMA’s ‘Marketing News’ this month. Allowing for inflation, the figure equates to a tiny real increase of 0.6%. Continue
DRNO Launches Breaking News Page - Aug 10 2009 Daily Research News has today launched a page for short summaries of breaking news items. Readers interested in items appearing can register their email address to receive a link to the full story if and when it is published at the end of the day in the main DRNO bulletin. Continue
Solar Roll-Out for DisplaySearch - Aug 10 2009 Flat panel research specialist DisplaySearch is to roll out a new suite of reports to cover the rapidly growing solar and photovoltaics markets. Continue
Healthy Thomson Reuters Prepares to Quit LSE, Nasdaq - Aug 7 2009 Business and professional information giant Thomson Reuters has reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, showing revenue growth and margin expansion, with continuing progress on the Reuters integration. Today, shareholders gave it the OK to drop its London and Nasdaq listings. Continue
Rapid Growth for Vision Critical - Aug 7 2009 Canadian-based custom panels and communities specialist Vision Critical has announced a 75% increase in first-half gross revenue, versus the same period in 2008. Continue
Partners to Offer Clean Tech Tracking - Aug 7 2009 London-based business intelligence firm StrategyEye has announced a strategic partnership with specialist MR, events and advisory firm Cleantech Group, LLC, to deliver tracking services to monitor news in the clean technology sector. Continue
MarketSight Upgrades Data Tool - Aug 7 2009 US-based MarketSight LLC has launched the latest Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based version of its product for data analysis and reporting. Continue
SAS Tool to Police Social Networks - Aug 6 2009 In the US, business analytics firm SAS has launched a social media analysis tool which it says will help understand customer sentiment and detect fraud. Continue
Webtrends Maps Company News to Analytics - Aug 6 2009 Traffic analysis firm Webtrends has developed a Software as a service (SaaS) version of its analytics solution. New features include the ability to plot site metrics against other company data. Continue
Gartner Upbeat Despite Sharp Revenue Drop - Aug 5 2009 Despite reporting a 22% fall in revenue to $270m for the second quarter, US technology research firm Gartner is reiterating its full-year outlook. Continue
MS&L Claims New Approach to Healthcare Consulting - Aug 5 2009 In the US, communications firm Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L) has launched a new approach, which combines proprietary healthcare consulting tools with a team of senior advisors in healthcare, and other key areas. Continue
Revenues Plunge at ISG - Aug 4 2009 Information Services Group (ISG), which owns outsourcing data and advisory firm TPI, has reported a 32% drop in first half revenues to $65.8m from $96.2m in the prior year period. Second quarter revenues fell $19.2m (or 38%) to $31.5m. Continue
IMS Health Launches Campaign Assessment Tool - Aug 4 2009 Pharma market research giant IMS Health has launched a web-based tool which it claims provides an alternative to custom primary market research for assessing brand promotional campaigns. Continue
SeeWhy Unveils ‘Re-Targeting’ Product - Aug 4 2009 US web analytics provider SeeWhy has launched a service to enable real-time re-targeting of people who abandon sites. Continue
Manhattan Move for Double Helix - Aug 4 2009 London-based healthcare specialist Double Helix Development group has relocated its Scarsdale, New York consulting operations to midtown Manhattan, in anticipation of growth from the practice. Continue
SPSS Board Faces Shareholder Investigation - Aug 3 2009 An investigation is being conducted by SPSS shareholders who believe that the firm’s recent acquisition by IBM ‘appears to be unfair’. Continue
Microsoft and comScore in Online Ad Partnership - Aug 3 2009 Microsoft and comScore are collaborating to build a hybrid audience measurement tool, which will allow advertisers to determine and predict how consumers will respond to their digital ads. Continue
infoGroup Appoints New Board Chairman - Aug 3 2009 ORC parent and database giant infoGroup has named Roger Siboni as its new Chairman of the Board, replacing Bernard Reznicek who took up the position last year. Continue
Growth and Senior Hire for comScore - Jul 31 2009 Online measurement firm comScore has announced financial results for the second quarter of 2009, with revenue, GAAP income before taxes and EBITDA all higher than forecast, at $31.4m, $2.6m and $7.0m respectively. Continue
‘MicroHoo’ Deal ‘Could Help Ad Industry’ - Jul 30 2009 Ad industry execs including Sir Martin Sorrell have welcomed yesterday’s news of a deal between Microsoft and Yahoo! to work together on search and advertising. Continue
Slowdown Hits J.D. Power Results - Jul 30 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies has reported Q2 revenue down 12.4% to $1.5 billion. Revenue and profit in its Business-to-Business Group, which includes research firm J.D. Power, were hit by weakness in the automotive sector and by deferments due to methodology changes at the vehicle research giant. Continue
Steady Results for Forrester - Jul 30 2009 Technology research and consulting firm Forrester has announced second quarter results. Revenues are down c.3% year-on-year but pro forma net income is stable at $8.8m and the company says it is ‘on target’ for the year. Continue
Vovici and Omega Team Up - Jul 29 2009 Customer loyalty specialists Omega Management Group and Vovici have announced a partnership for marketing and the integration of their EFM and CEM solutions. Continue
MR Sales Consultancy Launched - Jul 29 2009 In the US, former Common Knowledge exec Paul Kirch has launched ActusMR, Inc., a consultancy promising to help market research firms improve or create a successful sales infrastructure. Continue
IBM to Buy SPSS - Jul 28 2009 Computer giant IBM is to acquire SPSS for around $1.2 billion. The deal should close later this year, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other conditions. Continue
House Agrees Health Survey Funding - Jul 27 2009 In the US, the House of Representatives has approved $138.7m in funding for the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) surveys for next year – an increase of around $1 million on the 2009 figure. Continue
Zoomerang Comes Back Stronger - Jul 27 2009 MarketTools-owned DIY survey brand Zoomerang has released an upgraded version of its software, Zoomerang Enterprise, offering improved management and sharing of online surveys. Continue
Senior UK Hire for Harris - Jul 24 2009 Harris Interactive has hired Edward Chatham for the newly created position of UK Sales and Marketing Director. Continue
US CATI Center Doubles Capacity - Jul 24 2009 MR services provider Precision Opinion has announced the expansion of its Las Vegas CATI center from 100 to 200 stations, citing two years of record growth. Continue
IMS Health to Slash Headcount as Profit Falls - Jul 23 2009 Pharma market research giant IMS Health has reported a 19% drop in Q2 profit to $62.9m from $77.7m a year earlier. Accordingly, the firm is planning to shed a total of 850 staff, or 11% of its global workforce. Continue
Invoke’s Engage Upgraded - Jul 23 2009 US-based Invoke Solutions has upgraded its Engage Analytics platform to provide automated integration with PowerPoint, cross-tabs, and advanced filtering techniques. Continue
Revenue Up 40% at Kadence UK - Jul 22 2009 B2B specialist Kadence International has reported a 40% climb in UK revenue to £4m during the financial year 2008-09. Continue
Daily Mail Group Sells Property Research Arm - Jul 21 2009 DMGI, a division of UK-based Daily Mail and General Trust, has sold its real estate forecasting and analysis firm Property and Portfolio Research (PPR) to US real estate industry information group CoStar. DMGI will exchange PPR for $22m of CoStar stock. Continue
Canwest Info Firm Adds Radio Monitoring - Jul 21 2009 Canadian news and business information resource FPinfomart.ca – a division of media company Canwest Publishing – has added radio monitoring to its portfolio of sources for tracking corporate and competitive intelligence. Continue
Sorrell Talks Up Local Clients, Organic Growth - Jul 20 2009 WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell has extolled the virtues of organic growth; of helping ad budgets to follow consumers online; and of a balance between local and multinational clients, as he looks five years into the future of WPP. Continue
Education Analysts Merge - | | |
