WPP Group plc said it has agreed to
acquire IntelliQuest Information Group Inc.
on behalf of its Millward Brown subsidiary.
IntelliQuest provides information services for technology companies.
Advertising research firm Millward Brown is a member of The Kantar Group,
WPP’s information and consulting division. Financial terms were not disclosed.
IntelliQuest clients include Internet companies, consulting companies,
technology-based solutions providers, telecom companies, consumer electronics
and software companies. IntelliQuest had revenues of $26.4 million for the
year ended Dec. 31, 1998 and net assets of $40.1 million as of March 31,
1999.
IntelliQuest comprises three businesses: marketing research services; Zona Research which provides in-depth
analysis and assessment of the Internet and intranet markets; and the
recently divested IQ2.net (to which Millward Brown has exclusive
access) which provides information and services for targeted marketing.
The deal “provides IntelliQuest with a worldwide infrastructure and expanded
client base to pursue our Internet strategy,” said IntelliQuest chief
executive Brian Sharples. “This merger will significantly increase our
ability to serve multinational clients and to expand our panels outside the
U.S.”