Synovate Bolsters Global Network with New Belgian Acquisition
2 March 2005
LONDON — SYNOVATE, the market research division of Aegis Group plc (Stock: AGS.L on the London Exchange), announced today that it has acquired Columbus Quanti, a Belgium based research business.
Columbus Quanti is a medium sized research agency with offices in Ghent, employing around 40 staff.The company has particular expertise in the telecoms, FMCG, finance, and public utility sectors.
Synovate Global CEO Adrian Chedore said, "Columbus Quanti has a reputation for impeccable client service delivery and leading edge research thinking.The addition of the company means that Synovate is now the market research leader in Belgium, offering clients a comprehensive range of innovative research approaches and solutions".
Hans Raemdonck, Managing Director and founder of Columbus Quanti, said, "We are delighted to be part of Synovate, an exciting and dynamic company that shares our philosophy of understanding and satisfying clients� needs. Joining Synovate will allow us to provide extended services and expand our research thinking on both a national and international basis".
Post acquisition, Columbus Quanti will be integrated with Synovate's existing research businesses, including all local and international business conducted through the Belgian office of Synovate and Synovate Censydiam. This initiative will create a market leading company with a full range of qualitative and quantitative capabilities. Hans Raemdonck will become Managing Director of the enlarged Synovate Belgium business. Jan Callebaut will become Chairman of that business, alongside his global role as CEO of the Synovate Censydiam research practice. He said, "Columbus Quanti and Synovate are complementary in their research offerings to clients in terms of sectors serviced and research solutions offered. We look forward to a successful future working together".
Contact(s) for this press release
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Victoria Davidson
Marketing Communications Director, Western Europe |
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Telephone: +44 1732-874-450 |
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About Synovate
Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions. The network provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 4,000 staff in 92 offices across 44 countries. More information on Synovate can be found at www.synovate.com.
About Aegis Group plc
Aegis Group plc is the holding company for Carat, its media strategy, planning and buying business, and Synovate, its market research business. These two operating groups provide clients with a range of services across media communications, marketing consultancy and market research. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Aegis is capitalised at around £1.1 billion and operates in 64 countries. More information is available at www.aegisplc.com.
About Columbus Quanti
Columbus Quanti was founded in 1996 and is one of the most highly regarded quantitative research agencies in Belgium.It is renowned for providing clients with high value added services, via innovative and tailor made research solutions, which has meant rapid growth of around 25% annually over the past 5 years.The company has particular strengths in: stakeholder management research; branding and advertising research; segmentation research; category management research; pricing research; and concept and product research.
About Synovate Censydiam
Synovate Censydiam is one of Synovate's global research practices. Synovate Censydiam identifies the underlying psychological determinants of brand/consumer relationships and brings added value by humanizing marketing, recognizing that emotional brands create better value. To humanize marketing, Synovate Censydiam has developed a unique psycho-dynamic approach. Its international team of human science specialists provides a deep understanding of the real motivations that provide the key to influencing purchasing behavior. They offer total brand support, embedded in full cultural understanding.