TNS and Research International combine strengths in custom research

As part of a strategic realignment of the Kantar Group companies, global market information and insight group TNS (custom division), and its peer Research International, will combine strengths and merge to create the world's largest custom research company.

The merger is a 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.

Former CEO of Research International and new chairman of TNS, Bob Meyers, said, ''We are extremely excited to be joining forces with TNS. 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 said, ''At TNS our clients are at the forefront of everything we do and it is our mission not only to deliver the best service possible, but to challenge and innovate around their evolving business needs. 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,'' added Meyers. 

The merged business will be the number one or number two market research company in almost every country, offering deepened industry knowledge via sector expertise and a strengthened portfolio of research solutions. Both companies will join forces and use their strength, resources and talent to deliver further value to their clients' businesses.