RSMG Insights acquires IFM Group

"We see this as another significant step towards strategic consolidation on a global basis as well as elevating the sports research industry," Paul Smith, CEO of RSMG Insights, said. "Our goal is to create a transparent, comparable global platform for sponsorship valuation and research. With this merger, we are firmly on course to achieving that."

RSMG Insights, which also comprises world-leading sports research companies REPUCOM International and SPORT+MARKT, was formed in November 2010 through the merger of these two companies along with additional backing from New York-based investment partners GF Capital Private Equity Fund.

"The sports business is a beacon in difficult economic times and, as such, brands and rights holders are more aware than ever of the importance of reliable analytics," Erik Baker, Managing Director of GF Capital Private Equity Fund, added. "This acquisition is another signal of the ambition of RSMG Insights to set a new benchmark in the sports research industry."

With more than 25 years' experience in research and strategic consultancy in sports business, IFM Sports and Sports Marketing Surveys have built a formidable reputation both in its European home markets and on a global level. The agency counts some of the major brands and rights holders in the world of sport and entertainment among their clients.

This merger allows IFM Sports and Sports Marketing Surveys to call upon the global network of expertise within the RSMG Insights group, comprising more than 1,200 employees in 20 international offices worldwide and currently carrying out project work in over 170 countries.

Former IFM Sports CEO Oliver Kaiser is founding a new venture, with a focus on strategy as well as consulting. RSMG Insights will hold a minority share in this entity and, thus, can also draw from his expertise.


About RSMG Insights - A global leader in sports research
As a strategic holding, RSMG Insights manages a portfolio of companies which have for more than 25 years been among the leading service providers in the sports research industry. RSMG Insights was formed in November 2010 with the aim of providing the global platform in sponsorship monitoring, analysis and valuation to the sports business market. The Group's companies, which include REPUCOM International and SPORT+MARKT, operate under their own brands. With more than 1,200 employees in 20 offices around the world and the leading technology and facilities for media evaluation, market research and commercial auditing, RSMG Insights has created the industry's first, truly independent, global full-service portfolio for sponsorship research and consultancy.


About IFM Sports and Sports Marketing Surveys
IFM Sports and Sports Marketing Surveys merged in 2008 to form a major independent sports research and evaluation agency. As a key player on the international sports research and consultancy landscape, IFM Sports and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys have been providing brands and rights holders decisive insights for over two decades. With 200 employees worldwide focused into the service areas of Insights, Impact and Strategy, the companies offer their clients a holistic service from the initial analysis phase through to eventual performance monitoring.