The acquisition closely follows the September launch of ACNielsen.online, a new e-research business in the Asia Pacific region. According to Michael P Connors, vice chairman of ACNielsen, "This is a great fit for ACNielsen. It combines consult’s proven Internet research business model with ACNielsen's global market penetration and industry leadership. The Internet is revolutionizing the way we do business, and our clients are increasingly turning to ACNielsen to better understand the new economies, and the business opportunities they offer. Adding consult to our expanding suite of research services on, or about, the Internet takes us to the next level in helping our clients understand and use the Web as a strategic and operational business tool." Consult provides a broad range of Internet research services, including the region's largest online user survey and influential sector reports covering online brokering and banking, advertising, retailing and Internet infrastructure. The operation has recently opened an office in Hong Kong and its research now covers 12 countries in the region.