Synovate's global offering strengthened by AZTEC acquisition
9 March 2005
HONG KONG — SYNOVATE, the market research division of Aegis Group plc (Stock: AGS.L on the London Exchange), announced today that it has acquired AZTEC Information Systems (AZTEC), Australia's leading provider of scan data services.
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, AZTEC was established in 1995 and has built a successful business supplying market research services to retailers, manufacturers and brand owners based on grocery, liquor and pharmacy retailers EPOS or 'scan' data in Australia and New Zealand. AZTEC also recently established operations in other parts of Asia Pacific and the UK.
Synovate Global CEO, Adrian Chedore, said the AZTEC acquisition added further impetus to Synovate's strong presence in the retail research market and provided additional retail pharmacy skills that would complement existing healthcare research expertise.
AZTEC's information is 'trade currency' in the grocery sector and with this segment now accounting for around 15% of total market research spend globally, these services will become an important part of Synovate's global offering.
"This acquisition is also a significant milestone for Synovate in Asia Pacific, marking our entry into the Australian and New Zealand markets with a company that has built a reputation for excellence and innovation." Adrian added.
"I look forward to leveraging AZTEC's services to provide our clients with an even more comprehensive range of innovative research solutions."
AZTEC Managing Director International, Elgan Potter, said, "The combination of Synovate's global resources and AZTEC's leading edge technology provides a unique opportunity to offer new and existing FMCG clients with revolutionary developments in value-added scan data services."
"AZTEC is delighted to be joining Synovate and we look forward to a successful future as part of their dynamic and passionate network."
Contact(s) for this press release
|
Georgia McCafferty
Marketing and Communications Manager Asia |
|
|
9/F Leighton Centre |
Telephone: +852 2837 8277 |
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 AZTEC
AZTEC Information Systems (AZTEC) was established in 1995 and is now Australia's leading provider of scan data services. AZTEC supplies market research services to manufacturers and brand owners based on grocery, liquor and pharmacy retailers' EPOS or 'scan' data and have built a reputation in Australasia for excellence in client service, data and software. More information on AZTEC can be found at www.aztec.com.au.