e-Rewards Completes Research Now Buy

US-based e-Rewards has completed its £85.1m acquisition of UK-headquartered online panel specialist Research Now.

The deal, which was first announced in October, increases e-Rewards' worldwide staff from 300 to 800, and expands its presence in Europe and Asia with offices in 17 cities across the globe.

Research Now's CEO Chris Havemann now assumes overall management responsibility for the enlarged e-Rewards Group, as CEO and a member of the e-Rewards Board, alongside Research Now Chairman Geoff Westmore.

e-Rewards founder and Chairman and CEO Hal Brierley continues to serve as Chairman of the Board and comments: 'The need to be global is increasingly important. The company we're acquiring is the recognized leader in Europe and Asia.'

Research Now shares are now suspended from the London Stock Exchange's AIM market following completion of the sale.

Web sites: www.e-rewardsresearch.com and www.researchnow.co.uk .