Group Press Releases
Aegis Acquires Belgian Research Agency - Columbus Quanti
02 March 2005
Aegis Group plc ("Aegis" or "Group") - the media communications and market research group -announced today the acquisition of Columbus Quanti, a Belgian market research business. Columbus Quanti will now become part of Synovate, the Group's international market research network.
Founded in 1996, Columbus Quanti is a medium sized research agency headquartered in Ghent and employing around 40 staff. The company has a reputation for impeccable client service delivery and leading edge research solutions with particular expertise in the telecoms, FMCG, finance and public utility sectors.
The purchase price is composed of an initial consideration of Euro5.6 million (net of cash acquired), payable in cash on completion. There is also deferred cash consideration payable over 3 years, up to a maximum of Euro1.7 million, subject to rigorous performance criteria. For the year ended 30 June 2004, Columbus Quanti had revenues of approximately Euro6.0 million.
Aegis Group CEO Robert Lerwill said:
"The acquisition of Columbus Quanti is consistent with our strategy of investing in the development of strong global networks. The acquisition means that Synovate is now the market research leader in Belgium and the deal brings with it some innovative research solutions that will be expanded throughout our network. It also greatly benefits clients as the agency's integration into the Synovate network will now allow it to provide services on an international basis. I look forward to a successful future working together".
For further information contact:
Richard Walters
Aegis Group plc
+44 (0) 20 7070 7700
Charles Palmer
Financial Dynamics
+44 (0) 20 7831 3113
