Schlesinger Buys French Field Firms

US-based qual and quant data collection firm Schlesinger Associates has acquired fieldwork services agency ConsuMed Research and focus group facilities provider Passerelles, both based in Paris. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, ConsuMed Research provides desk research, interviewing and focus group moderation, coding and data entry, transcription and translation to clients in western Europe.

Passerelles' Montmartre facility includes eight group studios and two face-to-face studios equipped with full-width one-way mirrors and live video streaming.

Schlesinger Associates' CEO Steve Schlesinger says the acquisitions support his firm's strategy to provide a 'one-stop' solution to clients' international research needs, by adding to its existing focus group facilities in the US and UK.

ConsuMed's former owner and MD Eric Nalpas (pictured) has been appointed Managing Director of both ConsuMed Research and Passerelles.

Prior to setting up the firm, he worked as VP of Thomson's accessories business for 16 years, and as Panel Director at AC Nielsen for a decade.

Commenting on the acquisition and his appointment, Nalpas said: 'The fusion of the ConsuMed and Passerelles teams, who have long been close industry colleagues, blends the best of our research services for the benefit of our clients in France and around the world. I look forward to harnessing the strength of resources and opportunities that this exciting partnership with Schlesinger Associates brings.'

Schlesinger Associates President Mike Sullivan says he is looking forward to developing his firm's services in France under Nalpas' leadership.

Web sites: www.schlesingerassociates.com , www.consumedresearch.com and www.passerelles.fr .