Mergers in a changing market research world

This paper examines how M&A activity has brought about major change in the composition of the market research industry – and the effect that consolidation has had on MR companies and clients.

Mergers in a changing market research world

Michael MitranoTransition Strategies Corporation, USA

Introduction

Ten years ago, in a paper presented at the Barcelona Congress, I had the opportunity to explore consolidation in the research industry from 1995 through 2001. Although hundreds of mergers and acquisitions had taken place during those years, the research industry at the end of 2011 was only moderately consolidated, with the top five companies accounting for 37% of worldwide revenue and the top 15 for 56%.

In the years since then, acquisition has continued at a rapid pace. Only two of the top five survey-based...

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