TNS Buys Control of RMS in Africa

TNS has acquired a majority stake in the Research and Marketing Services (RMS) group of companies in West and Central Africa.

The firms partnered in March to provide customized research in West Africa, combining RMS's 30 years of local market experience and TNS' global expertise, branded solutions, training and technology.

TNS says the acquisition will add Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana to its existing network covering South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt and Morocco.

RMS employs more than 225 people and reported consolidated revenue of approximately $12.6m for the year ended 31 December 2009.

The newly named TNS RMS will have a West African hub based in Lagos, Nigeria with East Africa run from Nairobi, Kenya. Current RMS COO Aggrey Maposa and TNS East Africa CEO Melissa Baker will head the two regions while RMS CEO Adeola Tejumola will take overall charge.

'Via the acquisition of RMS, TNS becomes the first market and social research company with a comprehensive African network able to service local, regional and global clients in all African markets,' states Kim Macllwaine, CEO, TNS Africa and Middle East. 'No other research company will have the depth of knowledge of the African consumer or the understanding of opportunities present in the rapid growth emerging markets of Africa.'

Web sites: www.tnsglobal.com and www.rms-africa.com .