STW has taken out a majority share of market research company Colmar Brunton, to add extra “grunt” to the group’s offering.
Colmar Brunton’s businesses – Advantage International, The Research Agency in New Zelaand and Loyalty Live – do not comprise part of the deal and will continue to operate independtly.
STW’s CEO Michael Connaghan (pictured) said: “We recognise that market research is a strong and substantial part of the marketing communications discipline, and while we already have broad capabilities in the sector, Colmar Brunton will add further weight to our offering in several specific areas.”
“The business has an incredible pedigree in the FMCG and Government sectors in particular, and includes one of the country’s largest field suppliers, ‘Your Source’. Coupled with established product testing facilities, Colmar Brunton is an outstanding and growing business that fits well within STW’s future growth strategies.
“Its capabilities will form an integral part of our market research offering, and the organisation is an ideal extension to our diversified businesses.”
Colmar Brunton is set to celebrate its 25th Australian anniversary next year and now boasts 120 full time staff across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide.
Colmar Brunton’s chairman John Shanahan said: “Colmar Brunton has reached a stage in its development where it requires a significant partner to take the next step. We chose STW because we share similar values and culture, it has agencies which are creatively focused on the future, and because its business model would encourage us to maintain our independence, to learn and grow.
“We believe that through this partnership we will be able to offer our staff new opportunities for growth and our clients expanded capabilities and even higher service.”
