Ipsos Buys Maritz NA Mystery Shopping Business

Ipsos has acquired Maritz group's Mystery Shopping business in North America, for an undisclosed sum.

Staffed by more than 150 employees, Maritz's Mystery Shopping business has been operating for more than 35 years, mostly in North America, and its 2019 revenues were slightly above $15m. Its employees, shopper panels, and client contracts have now been transferred to Ipsos. Nick Mercurio (pictured), Ipsos' leader in the USA for the Channel Performance Service Line, will head up the expanded North America mystery shopping activities, under the leadership of Craig Bradley, Ipsos Global Channel Performance Service Line Leader.

Didier Truchot, Ipsos Chairman & CEO, comments: 'This acquisition will significantly expand Ipsos' Mystery Shopping offer, improving our operational capabilities and consolidating our North American and global clients. It is a proof of our commitment to meet the needs of our clients who seek better customer service performance across all retail channels. We welcome the experienced researchers, new client relationships, and new capabilities'.

Web sites: www.ipsos.com and www.maritz.com .