Kantar Gains Foothold in Iran via Rahbar Bazaar Deal

Kantar has expanded to Iran through a partnership with Tehran-based full service agency Rahbar Bazaar.

Launched in 2003 by MR execs Afshin Vafadar and Azam Alibabaei, Rahbar Bazaar provides a wide range of qual and quant services across consumer, B2B, product, media, desk and advertising research; as well as brand health tracking and pricing studies. The firm also has a dedicated Omiran omnibus research division which uses face-to-face, CATI, and CAWI techniques.

WPP-owned Kantar has now signed an 'affiliation agreement' with Rahbar Bazaar in order to gain a foothold in the Iranian market. Vafadar says that access to Kantar's global network of MR experts, its proprietary consumer insight and technology tools and its market research 'best practices', together with his firm's 'dedication, local insights, expertise, and team' will make a compelling service offering.

Stephen Hillebrand, CEO MENAP for Kantar Insights, adds: 'There's been a very high level of interest in Iran among our clients since the easing of the sanctions, and with a population of over 80 million people, Iran presents a significant growth opportunity for many of our global clients. We look forward to working with Rahbar Bazaar to deepen the service offerings for both Kantar's clients, and Rahbar Bazaar's clients, in Iran.'

Web sites: www.wpp.com , www.kantar.com and www.rahbarbazaar.com .