Synovate

According to Aegis's website, Synovate employs more than 6,000 people in 62 countries.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

"The proverbial wheels of the credit engine are being greased once again," says Anuj Shahani , director of competitive tracking services for Synovate.

A New Landscape for Credit Cards Jennifer Waters 2011

In response to recent speculation, the board of Aegis Group confirms that it is in discussions with Ipsos in relation to a potential transaction regarding its market-research business Synovate.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

Altium Securities said the cash generated from any sale of Synovate would substantially enhance Aegis's ability to pursue its strategic goal to grow internationally, while Panmure Gordon said the mooted £500 million valuation "is materially ahead of our own," adding that Aegis is its top pick for the year in the media sector.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

WPP PLC in previous years was also touted as a potential buyer of Aegis, after Chief Executive Martin Sorrell said he was interested in Synovate, but WPP instead bought Taylor Nelson Sofres in 2008 in a £1.1 billion deal.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

The potential sale of Synovate would help Aegis Chief Executive Jerry Buhlmann 's strategy to further boost the group's presence in emerging markets and digital technologies.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

In March, Aegis said Synovate's operating profit grew 23.6% in 2010, to £45.6 million from £36.9 million after a 6.7% rise in sales, and that it had made significant steps in its aim to consolidate the unit's position in "a changing market dynamic."

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

Ipsos, the world's fifth-largest global research company, said its board met Monday and backed its management in talking to "in order to determine in what conditions Aegis could sell Synovate."

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

A weekend press report said Synovate is valued at around £500 million $821.4 million.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011

LONDON— Aegis Group PLC said Monday it is in discussions with Paris-based Ipsos about a potential sale of its Synovate market-research unit, a move that would help the U.K.-based advertising and marketing firm's push to expand in emerging markets and digital technologies.

Aegis, Ipsos in Talks on Synovate Deal Margot Patrick 2011