Ipsos to Acquire BVA

Ipsos has announced it is in exclusive negotiations to acquire French market research group The BVA Family, the parent of BDRC, Doxa, Alligator, Viewpoint and PRS IN VIVO.

The group employs more than 900 globally, with a particular presence in France, Italy and the UK, and includes specialists in packaging testing, customer experience, mystery shopping and research for government and public services, as well as methodologies focused on services, luxury, consumer goods and behavioral sciences. It acquired BDRC in 2018, Doxa in 2019, and is home also to mystery shopping and store observation firm ESA Retail, digital agency Alligator, MR ops business Perspective and viewing facility / qual recruiter Viewpoint.

BVA co-Chairmen Gerard Lopez and Pascal Gaudin said in a statement: 'We are pleased to join forces with Ipsos, one of the world leaders in market research. This partnership allows us to leverage its international presence and solid competencies, significantly enhancing our capabilities to provide cutting-edge insights to our clients'. Ipsos Global CEO Ben Page says the deal strengthens the group's offering in France and gives it new opportunities in the UK and Italy, adding: 'The purchase of The BVA Family, respected for its expertise in a range of different areas of research, will encourage further growth and innovation together'.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals including employee consultation in France, and from competition authorities. The buy will - as far as DRNO can see - take Ipsos over the 20,000 milestone for headcount.

The BVA Family is led by CEO Philippe Carillon. Web sites are at www.ipsos.com and www.thebvafamily.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.