Chime's Research Arm Back in Profit

UK marcoms group Chime has reported that its research arm is back in profit and growing again, with 2010 revenue up 18% to £10.3m and operating income climbing 26% to £7.3m in the past 12 months.

Chime's Research & Engagement division - which includes Opinion Leader Research, Facts International, acefieldwork, CaucusWorld, Naked Eye, Brand Democracy and Tree - is led by Crispin Beale (pictured), who doubled profits at Facts International in his previous role as its CEO.

Chime, which acquired consumer behaviour consultancy Tree for around £2m in February 2010, now says its research division has returned to growth. During the period, the division's operating profit rose to £0.8m, compared with a £0.2m loss in 2009. The firm added in a statement that Facts International had performed particularly well, while Opinion Leader had been completely restructured under new leadership.

Overall for the group, 2010 operating income rose 21% to £149.3m, and operating profit was up 36% to £27.4m.

Research contributes about 5% to group operating income, compared with the PR division which accounts for 49%, advertising and marketing services which contributes 26%, and sports marketing which provides 20%.

Web site: www.chime.plc.uk .