Buy Gives Salience Instant CARMA in US

London-based media evaluation specialist Salience Insight has agreed to acquire the US operations of media content analysis pioneer CARMA International.

CARMA's overseas franchise operations in Asia Pac, Europe, Canada and Japan, and affiliates in Brazil and India, are not included in the transaction and will be operated by franchisees using the company's brand and proprietary technology / methodology.

Salience, which employs more than 150 consultants and analysts in Europe, North America and the Middle East/North Africa, is the media measurement division of business intelligence and media resource provider News Group International. The firm says the two companies will operate side-by-side, to maintain CARMA's 'strong brand equity', built up since its foundation in 1984 by Albert J. Barr. CARMA's analysis is customised for clients, adding human research expertise to analysis technology, and covers traditional and digital content, including social media. Today, CARMA has 14 offices in 12 countries around the world.

Salience's CEO Giselle Bodie (pictured) said the initial focus post-acquisition will be on growing CARMA's client base and cross-matching the companies' services, processes and skills; and praised the company's '30-year track record, blue-chip client roster and reputation for maintaining long-term client relationships'. She adds: 'This is a marriage of equals. CARMA's significant Washington profile, and experience of the US commercial, political and public affairs scene, complements perfectly our own international commercial capability and comprehensive product and service portfolio.' Another focus will be combining the firms' knowledge of traditional and social media in Europe and the Middle East, for existing clients of both.

Web site: www.salienceinsight.com .