e-Rewards Secures $60m Investment

US-based online market research panel operator e-Rewards has attracted a $60m minority investment from private equity and buyout firm TA Associates.

e-Rewards runs a 'by-invitation-only' opinion panel comprising millions of panellists who collect rewards for participating in surveys.

'We have known TA for more than a decade and are pleased to have them as an investor,' said e-Rewards Chairman & CEO Hal Brierley. 'TA provided an investment structure that allows us to pursue our growth objectives and maintain the day-to-day operating structure of the company.'

As part of the deal, TA's MD Bruce Johnston joins the e-Rewards Board of Directors.

Launched in 1999, e-Rewards is based in Dallas, Texas and employs more than 300 professionals located in Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle. In August, its European subsidiary partnered with travel loyalty firm AIRMILES, to enable panel members to receive miles for enrolling in the panel and participating in online surveys. The research firm also partners with Air France KLM, BLOCKBUSTERS, Borders, Hilton, Macy's, Delta Air Lines, and Continental Airlines.

Web site: www.e-rewardsresearch.com .