A new giant in custom research is born

As part of a strategic realignment of the Kantar Group companies - TNS (Custom Division) and Research International - two of the world's leading market insight and information agencies, will combine strengths and merge to create the world's largest custom research company.

The merger is part of a major reorganisation of the Kantar Group, to strengthen its companies and its offer and give clients more clarity about its areas of research expertise. The combination of Research International's strong focus on consumer packaged goods research, qualitative skills and innovation, and TNS's sector expertise and business solutions portfolio, alongside established international client networks in both companies, means the new business will be the world leader in custom research. The merged business will be led by Bob Meyers and Pedro Ros (Chairman and CEO respectively).

The global brand name of the combined business will be TNS. A select number of countries will be called TNS Research International. In addition, in some markets TNS will maintain its heritage brands. In South Africa, according to the company's web site TNS Research Surveys currently “works with clients including Telkom, JTI, SAB Miller, Caxton, BarlowWorld, FinMark Trust, Unilever, Redbull, Standard Bank, First Rand Group, Danone, McDonalds, Kelloggs, MNET, Sara Lee, Johnson and Johnson, and numerous governmental departments.”

Former CEO of Research International and new Chairman of TNS, Bob Meyers said: “…I truly believe that our new business will be the most dynamic and innovative custom research business in the world today. Our enlarged portfolio will include many of the world's most effective research solutions. Combining these techniques with our comprehensive industry knowledge and use of state of the art technology, we are in a very strong position to shape the future of the market research industry and significantly improve the information and insights we provide our clients both on a local and global basis.”

CEO of TNS Pedro Ros added: “… By combining strengths and resources with Research International, we are in an even better position to do this and we can look to a bright future.”

The merged business will be the number one or number two market research company in almost every country.

For further information please visit http://www.tnsglobal.com or http://www.research-int.com.