ComRes Acquired by Next15's Savanta

In the UK, research consultancy ComRes has been acquired by Savanta, the insights and intelligence division of Next Fifteen Communications. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Founded in 2003 by Chairman Andrew Hawkins and with offices in London, Brussels and Shanghai, ComRes provides evidence-led advice to inform reputation, public policy and communication strategies, while its Faith Research Centre offers research into religion and belief. The company was a founding member of the British Polling Council, and regularly conducts polls for the BBC, ITV and Sky News, the Daily Mail and The Independent.

Savanta, formed earlier this year through the merger of research agencies Morar HPI, VIGA, Charterhouse and Circle, takes over ComRes and in the process, strengthens its global team to more than 250 staff, across five offices worldwide. Global CEO Roger Perowne says the buys brings 'incredible talent' into the business as it broadens and deepens its offering. Savanta also bought the Custom Research division of London's Wealth-X, in February this year.

Commenting on the latest transaction, Hawkins said: 'ComRes has grown organically and steadily nearly every year since our founding in 2003. Now with Savanta, we will be able to accelerate our future expansion, building on our already extensive international client base, broaden our reach into more sectors and have access to wider investment'.

Web sites: www.savanta.com and www.comresglobal.com .