Mediamark Research Adds Intelligence

GfK-owned media and consumer research agency Mediamark Research has been re-branded as Mediamark Research & Intelligence, but will still be known by its acronym MRI.

The firm said in a statement that the change is the result of continuing financial consolidation of companies owned by GfK, which acquired former MRI parent NOP World from United Business Media in 2005.

Founded in 1979, MRI interviews approximately 26,000 US adults each year about their use of media, their consumption of products and their lifestyles and attitudes.

MRI President and CEO Kathi Love said that the name change reflects the requirements of international business laws, and has not affected the New York headquartered company's commitment to providing insight and intelligence about American consumers.

In July, the firm joined forces with Nielsen//NetRatings to launch a single-source database of print and online media usage called Net//MRI ( www.mrweb.com/drno/news7117.htm ).

Home page: www.mediamark.com.