IFF Research Makes First Acquisition

London-based IFF Research has made its first acquisition - of Birmingham-based research and software customer intelligence agency Voluntas, which specialises in the social housing sector. Terms of the deal, which has been funded through a five-year loan, were not disclosed.

Voluntas delivers continuous customer satisfaction monitoring services for housing providers, maintenance contractors and facilities suppliers across the UK. Through its My.Research online portal, the firm claims its clients spend less time collecting research and more time interpreting and using the results to improve their services. Commenting on the acquisition, Voluntas Director Dylan Chipp said his company has taken its time to find the right partner to build on its successes in the social housing market.

IFF, which began as a B2B specialist in 1965, now boasts expertise in sectors including learning and skills; higher education; employment and benefits; financial services; professional services; and health and wellbeing. Through the acquisition, which is being funded using a loan accessed through credit specialist Caple, IFF will expand into the housing sector, and says that the deal will help it grow from c.£8m turnover to more than £12m in the next financial year.

Jan Shury (pictured), MD of IFF Research, adds: 'IFF Research helps both public and private sector organisations to make more informed decisions. The deal with Caple and the purchase of Voluntas enables us to enhance this capability and provide expertise on the UK housing market. The unsecured nature of the loan means our directors did not have to dilute our ownership in the business by giving up equity to complete this acquisition.'

Web sites: www.iffresearch.com and www.voluntas.co.uk .