The Ipsos group is to take a 50% equity stake in Research in Focus 30/06/00 The Ipsos group is to take a 50% equity stake in Research in Focus with plans for a full takeover in 2003. In 1999, Research in Focus, an international strategic market research company, which is fully controlled by its management, posted sales of £2.1 million. Focus was established in 1988 as a strategic marketing consultancy - Strategy in Focus, subsequently joined in 1993 by Research in Focus, founded to provide high level added value research. Specialising in consumer research, Research in Focus provides clients with added value consumer insight using innovative analyses of market data, benchmarking and global cross-country comparisons. International research accounts for more than 90% of its activities: it has extensive experience in Europe, North and Latin America and Japan. It also conducts studies in many important emerging markets. The Ipsos group has had a strong presence in the UK since 1991 through the following companies: Ipsos-RSL (one of the leading UK market research companies, leader in media research particularly at the international level). Ipsos-Insight (specialising in qualitative research). Ipsos Access Panels (European leader for studies on access panels). In total, Ipsos companies in the UK accounted for 21% of group sales in 1999. Didier Truchot, co-president of the Ipsos group, is delighted by this agreement, "The expertise of the Research in Focus team in the FMCG sector is a wonderful opportunity for Ipsos which will complete its offering in the important field of international research". According to Research in Focus founding Director Michael Maister, "Ipsos is a high quality partner with skills and resources which complement those of Research in Focus". Managing Director, Gill Aitchison added "We are excited at the prospect of joining Ipsos, a forward looking and dynamic organisation, and look forward to contributing to its continuing success."