Kaufman and Levin Sell Majority Stake in KLA

In South Africa, investment group Kagiso Media has acquired a majority stake in brand analytics and market research consultancy KLA from husband and wife team Joel Kaufman and Robyn Levin. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kaufman and Levin launched KLA (Kaufman Levin Associates) in 1991, but have since relocated to Australia where they plan to focus their business activities in Sydney. Since 2004, KLA has been led by MD Stephanie Matterson.

Using quantitative and qualitative techniques such as focus groups, face-to-face interviews, online surveys, CATI, and other research tools, KLA focuses on helping organisations gain an understanding of their customers' relationships with their brands.

Matterson, a shareholder in KLA, says that Kagiso Media's creative approach to business makes it the perfect partner. 'Our cultures, values and vision fit together very well. We also believe that there are some good synergies between our business and some of the media, technology and marketing operations in the Kagiso Media fold,' she adds.

Murphy Morobe, CEO of Kagiso Media, says that though KLA will continue to operate as a standalone business, it will be positioned to work with other Kagiso Media.

Back in 2007, South African firm WDB Investment Holdings acquired a 25.1% stake in KLA.

Web sites: www.kagisomedia.co.za and www.kla.co.za .