Aegis agrees to sell Synovate to Ipsos

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 28 July 2011

Aegis agrees to sell Synovate to Ipsos

Today Aegis Group plc, parent company of top four global custom market research firm Synovate, issued an announcement to the London Stock Exchange indicating that it has agreed the sale of Synovate, excluding Synovate Aztec, and the Aegis Board has recommended that shareholders approve the deal.

Synovate is one of the largest market research companies in New Zealand, conducting a wide range of market research for many of New Zealand’s largest businesses and best known brands. The company has an enviable record in the biennial Market Research Effectiveness Awards.

“The offer from Ipsos is a great compliment to the strength of Synovate’s business, our leading research solutions, our people, and all that we have achieved since our inception,” said Robert Philpott, Global CEO of Synovate.

“While this is a significant step in the process for Synovate to join Ipsos, the deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval,” he said.

“In the meantime, we will continue to deliver the best research insights to our clients and with the same level of expertise and enthusiasm that we always have. We’re excited about what the future may hold, and our commitment to our clients and their business remains intact,” said Philpott.

Ian Mills, Managing Director of Synovate in New Zealand says the purchase of Synovate by IPSOS offers our team and clients in NZ access to an even greater range of leading edge research tools: "I am are very excited by the opportunities that this change will bring."

Debra Hall, Executive Director Research, who sold her New Zealand business Research Solutions to Synovate 4 years ago says "this is a very exciting development both locally and globally. Together Synovate and Ipsos are a formidable force. While our immediate focus is to continue to support our great local people delivering great research to our clients, this move will no doubt further enhance our competitive strength as NZ's most effective research partner. Not looking forward to having to learn French, mind you."
ends

© Scoop Media