Ipsos Buys Majority Stake in OOH Specialist MGE Data

Ipsos has acquired a majority stake in Czech Republic-based company MGE Data, which specialises in Out-of-Home (OOH) measurement, with capabilities in consulting, data analytics, application development and technical solutions. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1996, MGE Data operates out of several locations in the Czech Republic and comprises a team of geo-spatial experts and engineers specializing in OOH measurement who design, develop, and manufacture equipment and solutions for mobility, geo-marketing and media research applications. Ipsos and MGE have an established relationship dating back to 2007, when both companies were awarded the Route contract in the UK. The partnership has also been instrumental in the appointment by OMA, Australia's Outdoor Measurement Association, to update its MOVE system (Measurement of Outdoor Visibility and Exposure).

With the acquisition of MGE, Ipsos says the combined offer will be expanded to fifteen countries, contributing to the generation of audience data on close to 1.5 million frames. Among these countries are Germany, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Mexico, Chile and the UAE.

MGE CEO and co-founder David Strnad says joining the Ipsos family is a 'natural progression'. Didier Truchot (pictured), Ipsos CEO & Chairman, adds: 'The association of Ipsos' leadership in research with MGE's advanced spatial data science expertise will bring clients an unparalleled offer in Out-of-Home audience measurement'.

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