UMS Acquires Research Reports International

In the US, performance assessment specialist UMS Group has acquired Research Reports International (RRI), which provides technology monitoring, MR and competitive intelligence, and regulatory tracking. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

UMS provides proprietary databases and analytical tools, and consultancy on utility asset management, performance assessment and the management of sustainable change. Clients include more than 300 gas, water and electric utilities on six continents.

RRI was founded in 1999 and provides analysis on issues affecting clients in the worldwide electric and gas utility industry. Under the terms of the transaction, UMS Group plans to expand these offerings as part of its own Global Business Intelligence Center (GBIC) based in Manila, Philippines. Services will include expanded research, analysis, benchmarking and knowledge dissemination.

UMS Group Chief Exec Jack Shearman (pictured) comments: 'Companies today face a series of challenges that require accurate and actionable information about the competitive environment in which they operate. UMS Group will meet this growing requirement for knowledge by utilizing new channels such as RRI to distribute critical information to our clients.'

Shawn Morris, President of RRI, says the deal will enable his firm to provide a 'more comprehensive' product set and better meet client needs.

Web sites: www.umsgroup.com and www.researchreportsintl.com .