Italian Panel Firm Aims for European Presence

Italian online research specialist Nextplora is the latest in the booming sub-sector to announce international expansion. The Milan-based company has launched sites in English, French, German and Spanish and will offer analysis and advice covering Europe's five largest economies.

Nextplora, which has around 30 clients and a panel of 25,000 Internet users, grew its turnover by 32% in 2005 and its gross operating profit increase (EBITDA) by 53%. The company has dedicated vertical 'observatory' products, 'Bank Next' and 'Telco Next', for banking / insurance and telecoms markets – these represent about a third of its turnover. FMCG activities are also growing, and represent 45% of company turnover.

Chairman Andrea Giovenali comments: 'In order to meet our clients needs, the company has decide to expand its activities abroad, where online research has been strongly adopted and used. Also in Italy we see a development of online research, which in 2005 represented 3% of total market turnover, an increase of 187% compared to 2004' (source: Assirm).

The company is online at www.nextplora.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.