Equity Group Cinven Makes Synovate Enquiry

According to a report in the UK press, marcoms group Aegis has received an expression of interest in its market research arm Synovate from private equity group Cinven.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Aegis is discussing the sale of Synovate with Ipsos, with analysts suggesting that a price of around £500m might be on the cards.

According to UK paper The Daily Telegraph, Cinven has asked Aegis if it would be willing to enter discussions with other parties about the sale, if talks with Ipsos fall down. Aegis has however confirmed that it will not engage with another potential buyer at this stage.

A separate source has told the paper that GfK is also interested in Synovate, and is apparently consulting investment bank NM Rothschild on the matter.

Last week, ad groups Publicis and WPP both dismissed speculation that they are considering a bid for Synovate.

Web sites: www.aegisplc.com and www.synovate.com .