MMR and Repères partner to Expand Footprints

UK-based consumer research agency MMR and Paris, France-based research and marketing intelligence institute Repères have signed a partnership agreement, giving each access to a combined methodological toolkit and increased geographical footprint.

The deal gives MMR a physical presence in mainland Europe - it already has offices in the US, Colombia, Brazil, South Africa, India, Singapore, Thailand and China. While the two agencies will retain their separate legal entities, they say they will mutually benefit from being able to negotiate the best terms with their fieldwork subcontractors, as well as being able to offer clients 'on-the-ground' exec and logistics support across all their offices.

According to the firms, the partnership brings together more than 70 years' combined experience in product testing, innovation and consumer and brand experiences, providing an enhanced offering to global FMCG clients, as well as opening opportunities that might not otherwise have been available to either agency as standalone businesses.

Judith Henderson, MMR's EMEA MD, says the deal allows MMR to offer local support for clients in mainland Europe, while Repères will be able to support its clients globally through the MMR office network. Francois Abiven, Repères CEO and owner, adds: 'We are excited at the opportunities this partnership will allow for Repères in terms of widening our geographical coverage'.

Web sites: www.mmr-research.com and www.reperes.eu .