Group Press Releases
Aegis Acquires Copernicus
13 March 2001
Aegis Group plc - the media communications and market research group - announced today that it is integrating all of its market research activities into one global network, Aegis Research, with immediate effect.
Aegis Research will combine the operations of Market Facts in the US with those of Asia Market Intelligence in Asia and the recently acquired Pegram Walters in the UK. While the market research businesses will continue to operate under their local brand names, the creation of Aegis Research will allow the group to market its research capabilities on a global basis through a unified network. It will also provide its international clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of leading research products.
A new executive board, the Aegis Research Executive, drawn from the senior management of Aegis’ existing research businesses will manage Aegis Research. Tom Payne, Chief Executive of the Americas and Adrian Chedore, Chief Executive of Europe and Asia will head the Aegis Research Executive. In addition, Mike Freehill has been appointed Director of Global Products for Aegis Research. This board will be responsible for the development of the research business and will report directly to Aegis’ Chief Executive Doug Flynn.The creation of Aegis Research is consistent with Aegis’ strategy of expanding its range of services and geographical reach to meet the changing needs of its clients. Aegis first moved into the market research business through the acquisition of Market Facts in June 1999.
Commenting on the restructuring Aegis’ Chief Executive Doug Flynn, said:
"Establishing Aegis Research will allow us to build a global full service network. It will also allow us to meet the increasing demand for international research mandates from our clients as well as providing a global brand supported by a cohesive portfolio of leading products. This move is consistent with our strategy of creating leading global businesses in both media and market research by growing our existing portfolio of assets as well as by acquisition."
