Ipsos Buys Australian Public Sector Researcher Whereto

Ipsos has acquired Australian firm Whereto Research, a public sector research specialist based primarily in Melbourne.

Whereto - the last two letters are italicised - is known for expertise in public policies and the evaluation of government communication. Ipsos already has a team of more than 200 based in Australia, having been operating in the country for more than a quarter century - as long ago as 2004, DRNO reported that an acquisition there had lifted the Paris-based global group into the Top 5 MR agencies there. The firm now has offices in the state capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and offers a full suite of research services in sectors including public affairs, advertising, marketing and media.

Ipsos Global CEO Ben Page comments: 'Whereto Research's expertise in public sector and federal research in Australia, combined with Ipsos' international presence in this space, will allow us to offer a broader range of solutions to our Australian clients. We look forward to collaborating with the Whereto Research teams to build the best business in Australia serving national and state governments' research and evaluation needs'.

'Joining Ipsos is a tremendous opportunity for Whereto Research' according to its Co-Directors Catherine Boekel and Penny Burke (pictured L to R). 'Integrating into a leading international market research group will enable us to accelerate our development and offer our clients global solutions. We share the same passion for excellence and innovation with Ipsos, and we are convinced that this collaboration will create value for our clients and employees'.

Web site: www.ipsos.com .