Kantar Snaps Up Obama Pollster BSG

WPP's research and insight arm Kantar has acquired US research and consulting firm the Benenson Strategy Group (BSG). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2000, BSG ran the award-winning research and polling programs for President Obama's 2008 and 20012 campaigns and has advised eleven Prime Ministers and Presidents worldwide, while also working for private sector and advocacy clients. Unaudited revenues for the year ended 30th June 2013 were c.$15.6m.

The company is based in New York with offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and Denver, and employs approximately 50 people. Following the sale, BSG will continue to be run by co-founders CEO Joel Benenson, and COO Carl Rossow (who is also the founder of online qual agency iModerate), along with Principals Peter Brodnitz, Daniel Franklin, Mitch Markel and Amy Levin.

WPP said in a statement that the acquisition continues its strategy of expanding its 'data investment management' business, which has revenues of $4.5 billion and employs 28,500 people at thirteen specialist companies across the whole spectrum of research and consultancy disciplines.

Kantar CEO Eric Salama added: 'Joel and his team bring a unique dimension to Kantar's global offer through their advanced research, deep insights and unique approach to the understanding of consumer attitudes. These characteristics will enable us to open new doors and embrace new techniques for the clients we serve through Kantar's operating companies, while expanding Benenson Strategy Group's expertise across sectors and geographies.'


Joel Benenson commented: 'We are very excited to join Kantar, a global leader, and look forward to working in partnership as we continue to conduct high-impact strategic work for our clients and expand our global reach.'

Web sites: www.wpp.com and www.bsgco.com .