CASRO and MRA in Merger Discussions

US research industry organizations CASRO and MRA are in discussions about a potential merger.

Currently, CASRO (The Council of American Survey Research Organisations) represents US research businesses and MRA represents US research professionals. In a joint statement, the pair said that a 'key catalyst' for a potential merger is the recognition that the two organizations have overlapping advocacy goals and benefits. Although no decisions have been made as to how the merged association would function, the goal is to maintain all current benefits.

The organizations said in a statement that joining forces would allow them to speak with one message in a stronger, louder voice before the public, media, and government officials; while harmonizing industry standards, ethics, and guidelines from one consensus source. In addition, the merger would provide an opportunity to transform the combined association in a way that is 'future-focused'; and reduce unnecessary competition in a very competitive environment.

If approved by both Boards, the merger would then have to be agreed by the membership of both organizations, and the Boards of both organizations are keen for members to comment on the concept by e-mail to: feedback@casro.org and feedback@marketingresearch.org .

The statement continues: 'By combining both financial and volunteer resources, the new association will be able to better represent the interests of a changing, expanding research industry compared to continuing to operate as separate, smaller and, in some instances, redundant and competing organizations. The discussions are not about what's best for CASRO or for MRA as standalone organizations - they exist only to serve the industry and its stakeholders'.

The announcement comes almost exactly a decade after UK corporate membership body the BMRA was absorbed into individual membership organisation the MRS.

Web sites: www.casro.org and www.marketingresearch.org .