L&E Buys INGATHER Research & Sensory

In the US, Raleigh, NC-based focus group facilities and recruiting services company L&E Research has acquired Denver, Colorado-based INGATHER Research & Sensory. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

INGATHER, which was founded in 2011 by Christine Cook (pictured), provides what it describes as 'reality' research facilities such as a commercial culinary and consumer test kitchen setting for sensory testing. The firm can also offer access to a 'home' where participants can cook and/or test food in a real residential kitchen. All facilities are equipped with a wide range of technology including in-house split screens, live streaming and flat screen TVs.

Following the deal L&E Research has ten facilities across the US. Company President Brett Watkins comments: 'We are excited to add the INGATHER Research team in Denver to our rapidly growing network of qualitative research solutions. With our recent Bay Area, California and Kansas City, Missouri additions, this allows us to provide qualitative research solutions from coast to coast in almost every region, covering all time zones in the United States. It also adds a full commercial kitchen and sensory solution our clients will value'.

Web sites: www.leresearch.com and www.ingatherresearch.com .