YouGov Buys Australia's Galaxy Research

YouGov has announced the acquisition of Sydney-based MR firm and opinion pollster Galaxy Research Pty Ltd, which will be combined with YouGov's existing Australian business under the leadership of Galaxy founder and MD David Briggs.

The new firm, YouGov Galaxy, has a team of eleven employees in Australia. The booming UK-based group says Galaxy has an MR offering 'comparable to' its own Data Services offering, and a strong reputation in the local market for accurate opinion polling, making it a 'clear strategic fit'. Galaxy is also the administrator of opinion polling brand Newspoll, and Briggs was GM of Newspoll for eighteen years until founding Galaxy in 2004.

YouGov's existing business in the country was established two years ago and focuses on using the Group's panel data to provide syndicated data products and services - the merger will put the new company in a strong position to expand this, says YouGov. According to CEO Stephan Shakespeare, the acquisition increases the firm's presence in Australia, 'a significant market and one which is strategically important to our international clients'.

Briggs (pictured) comments: 'Becoming part of YouGov gives Galaxy access to an enviable global profile, a high-quality proprietary panel and operating platform. We look forward to working together to realise our combined ambitions'.

It's ten years since YouGov's first foray into the Australian market ended in tears - a joint venture with MR company owner Photon Group to establish an online panel business, YouGov Australia, was abandoned - although the UK firm quickly recovered its momentum.

Web sites: www.yougov.com and www.galaxyresearch.com.au .