Trend Forecaster WGSN Buys Brazilian Firm Mindset

UK trend forecasting business WGSN has acquired Latin American firm Mindset Communicaco e Marketing, which specialises in studying current and forecasting future consumer behavior. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

WGSN uses forecasting, analytics and custom research techniques to study fashion season trends in apparel, accessories and interiors. The firm is part of the Top Right Group of companies, which includes media giant EMAP, the i2i Events Group, international festival organiser Lions Festivals, and information services specialist 4C Group.

Mindset, based in Sao Paolo, Brazil, has served as the company's reseller across Latin America for the past nine years, and as a result, WGSN is already working with around 300 clients in the region. The acquisition will provide Mindset with access to WGSN's infrastructure and wider global markets, while enabling WGSN to get closer to these customers in Latin America.

Former Mindset owner, Andrea Bisker (pictured), who is now Commercial Director WGSN Latin America, comments: 'We can now bring WGSN's worldwide analysts and specialists - in such diverse fields as fashion, technology, design, communication and education - into our local projects, enabling our Latin American customers to work and research globally. This investment by WGSN further confirms the creative process that fuels the region and we are honoured and excited by the future opportunities and outlook.'

This is WGSN's second acquisition this year following its purchase of certain online assets of Mudpie, a provider of fashion trend forecasting.

Web sites: www.wgsn.com , www.topright-group.com and www.mindset.com.br .