Ironwood Buys Baltimore Qual Firms

Chandler, Arizona-based researcher Ironwood Insights Group (IIG) has announced the acquisition of Maryland-based qual provider The Research Group and its focus groups and recruiting division Observation Baltimore. Barbara Gassaway, President and founder of The Research Group, joins IIG.

Ironwood was founded in 2017 and offers a suite of data collection and insights solutions including research design, qual and quant data collection, data processing, analytics, reporting and dashboards / data visualization. Four years ago it acquired data collection company Discovery Research Group, and earlier this month it appointed Jeb Bullis to lead the expansion of its Ironwood Online offering, and Stuart (Stu) Cohen to grow its full service division.

The newly acquired organisations bring skills in research design, nationwide participant recruitment, fieldwork services, facility management and moderation, as well as a 'deeply profiled and highly managed' proprietary database.

Gassaway (pictured), who is a Master Moderator specializing in CPG and healthcare sectors, will continue to serve existing and new qualitative clients and says Ironwood's 'mission, values and complimentary service offerings align perfectly' with those of her own firms.

Ironwood CEO Brad Larson comments, 'As IIG continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, we are experiencing a continuing demand for qualitative services. Barbara and her team bring a wealth of knowledge and breadth of services to our growing set of specialties and capabilities. I am excited for this next phase of Ironwood expansion'.

Web sites: www.ironwoodinsights.com , www.observationbaltimore.com and www.researchgrp.com .