QRS and Tragon in Sensory / Consumer Research Merger

Q Research Solutions (QRS) and Tragon Corporation have merged, to create what they describe as one of the largest sensory and consumer research suppliers in the US. The combined firms will initially trade as QRS-Tragon. Precise terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Based in New Jersey, consumer product testing agency QRS currently employs 48 marketing, sensory and consumer research professionals, with expertise in food and beverage, personal care, fine fragrance and home and fabric care; and its qPOD portable olfactory device is used for testing scents and aromas. Last November, the company's management team partnered with KLH Capital to complete a management buyout.

Tragon was founded in 1974, employs a team of 37 scientists, technologists and marketing specialists, and has developed several sensory methodologies. The company also hosts testing facilities in San Francisco and Chicago metropolitan areas using its proprietary data collection technology RedJade, which forms part of the merger.

Former QRS CEO David Japhet becomes CEO of QRS-Tragon, while former Tragon CEO Doug Vort is now President of RedJade Software Solutions. In a statement, the merged firm said it will be focusing on expanding its platform, while acting as a hub for the acquisition and retention of talent in consumer and sensory research. Japhet added: 'We are excited to combine the complimentary talents and values of these exceptional sensory and consumer research companies to form a new leader for our industry'.

Web sites: www.qrsglobal.com and www.tragon.com .