Group Press Releases
Aegis Acquires Sample Surveys Ltd.
07 August 2002
Aegis Group plc ("Aegis") - the media communications and market research group - announced today that it has acquired Sample Surveys Limited ("Sample Surveys"), one of the largest independently owned custom market research agencies in the UK.
The initial consideration of £5.4 million is payable in cash on completion; there is also deferred consideration of up to £1.8 million, subject to challenging performance criteria, payable over the next three years. Sample Surveys had revenues of approximately £6.6 million during the year ended 31 December 2001.
The acquisition of Sample Surveys further strengthens the position of the Aegis Research network in Europe. Aegis Research, which rebrands as Synovate in January 2003, has been rapidly growing its worldwide coverage and portfolio of solutions. Since 2001, it has acquired a number of European research companies including Market&More, Pegram Walters, MEMRB Custom Research, Demoscopie and the Bureau for Internet and Telephone Interviewing. This is consistent with Aegis' strategy of expanding its market research capabilities to meet the increasingly international needs of its clients.
Commenting on the announcement, Doug Flynn, Chief Executive of Aegis said:
"Aegis Research already has the 2nd largest custom research network in Asia-Pacific and the 4th largest in the US and our aim is to build a significant presence in Europe. This acquisition significantly strengthens our service capabilities and client base in the UK. "
