Harris Interactive Extends European Capabilities with Acquisition of German Online Market Research Firm MediaTransfer AG
LONDON and HAMBURG, Germany, April 2 -- Harris Interactive(R) (Nasdaq: HPOL) has acquired MediaTransfer AG Netresearch & Consulting, a private European online research firm based in Hamburg, Germany which will provide greater access to the $2.2 billion (USD) German market research market.
MediaTransfer, founded in 1996, has conducted online research since 1999 and has a 250,000 member, highly diverse online research panel. The firm generated approximately $6 million (USD) of revenue in 2006, 92% of which was derived from Internet-based research.
MediaTransfer has extensive FMCG research experience including the application of proprietary technology to create shopping simulations to test package design, shelf placement configurations, pricing etc. The firm has proven expertise in telecom, financial services and pharmaceutical research.
"MediaTransfer stays ahead of their competition by combining leading-edge technologies with strong research-based consulting skills and excellent leadership-always with the desire to exceed their clients' expectations,"
stated Dr. George Terhanian, president of Harris Interactive Europe. "We're pleased they've joined us."
"This will be a big plus for our customers," stated Dr. Thomas Rodenhausen, spokesman of the board at MediaTransfer AG Netresearch & Consulting. "By joining forces with Harris Interactive, MediaTransfer will now be able to offer our clients more of what they're looking for in a research partner: access to vastly expanded international capabilities, a much larger online panel and a complete portfolio of proven research tools."
Harris Interactive paid EUR9 million (about $12 million USD) in the all-cash deal for the Company, which has excess net working capital of approximately EUR1 million and no debt. MediaTransfer employees will join the Harris Interactive Europe organization, and remain in their current location.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online.
Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiaries Novatris in France and MediaTransfer AG in Germany, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com.
About MediaTransfer AG Netresearch and Consulting
Founded in 1996 MediaTransfer AG Netresearch & Consulting specializes in online market research. Worldwide online panels allow MediaTransfer AG Netresearch & Consulting to offer clients from many different industries such as consumer and durable goods, telecommunications, financial services and automobile international market research, one stop. We provide competent and flexible support for our customers throughout the entire marketing process. Further information can be obtained from: b2b.mediatransfer.com
Contact:
Dan Hucko
+1-585-214-7470
+1-877-919-4765 Ext. 7470
Web site: www.harrisinteractive.com
Source: Harris Interactive
Nancy Wong, +1-585-214-7316, nwong@harrisinteractive.com, Dan Hucko, +1-585-214-7470, both of Harris Interactive
