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Synovate Expands Into Scandinavia
Aegis Group, owner of Synovate, has acquired Univero - the largest independent market research network in Scandinavia - for £10m. Univero is the holding company for MMI Univero (Norway), TEMO Univero and LUI Univero (Sweden), Vilstrup Univero (Denmark) and Fieldwork Scandinavia.
Univero companies provide qualitative and quantitative research to Scandinavian and global research firms, and have particular expertise in FMCG, food and drinks, public sector, brand and communications, media, youth and retail research. In 2004 Univero had total revenues of £23m.
Synovate says the acquistion is likely to follow the model of previous takeovers, with the companies rebranding as Synovate.
Between them, Sweden, Denmark and Norway represent Europe's fifth largest research market, with an annual spend of around $500m. Commenting on the takeover, Robert Lerwill, Aegis CEO, said: 'Entering the Scandinavian research market has been a priority for Synovate; we are now doing so as a major player.'
Synovate's global CEO Adrian Chedore added: 'Univero will significantly boost the size of our operations across Western Europe, and will provide clients with full-service research capabilities in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.' He also praised the company's 'positive attitude and pioneering research solutions'.
Elisabet Annell, CEO of Univero, said: 'Our clients will benefit from Synovate's extensive global capabilities, as well as having access to a comprehensive range of leading research practices and solutions'.
Synovate, which employs more than 5,000 staff in 107 offices across 50 countries, is online at www.synovate.com.
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