Firms' increased heft buoys global marketing research industry in 2011

Growth by acquisition helps offset limp revenue gains

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Global marketing research firms are growing, but largely in size over collective revenue as acquisitions continue to accelerate, reports the American Marketing Association (AMA).

Still, the world's 25 largest marketing research firms racked up total revenues of $18.7 billion in 2011 — 4.1% higher than the previous year, according to the Honomichl Global Top 25 Report, published Aug. 31 in AMA's Marketing News magazine. (Adjusted for inflation, the gain was 1.4%.)

"That, I submit, is good news given the dire economic conditions in many countries," says Jack Honomichl, founder of the newsletter "Inside Research," who compiles the annual Honomichl ranking with colleague Larry Gold.

Not all of the Global Top 25 ended the year on a high note, however. Nine of the research firms saw revenues decline in 2011 or not grow enough to cover the estimated 2.7% inflation rate, while others stayed stagnant.

Overall, the increased size and strength of the highest earners are the report's biggest takeaway.

"For the most part, the 25 behemoths of our industry have come to be so via amalgamation, the end result of hundreds of acquisitions made over many years in many countries," says Honomichl. "In 2011 alone, Top 25 firms bought 24 research firms around the world. … The concentration of power in our industry continues unabated."

He points to the example of Paris-based Ipsos, which was No. 5 on last year's list. After acquiring Synovate (No. 6 last year), Ipsos moved up to No. 3 this year, with $2.5 billion in revenue. Ahead of that were Nielsen, at No. 1 with $5.4 billion, and Kantar, at No. 2 with $3.3 billion.

The world's leading marketing research firms are also increasingly global: 55% of their collective revenue came from operations outside of their home countries. Five have subsidiaries or operations in at least 68 countries, including Nielsen, which operates in 100 countries. Only three of the Top 25 have no revenue from outside their home countries.

The 25 leading firms accounted for approximately 58% of global spending on marketing, advertising and public opinion research services in 2011. Ten are publicly listed, four are subsidiaries of larger public companies, three are subsidiaries of non-public corporations and eight are privately held.

As for employment, the overall payroll at the Global Top 25 marketing research firms jumped 6.9% — from 103,136 full-time people in 2010 to 110,235 in 2011. For the first time in the 16 years that this report has been published, one of the firms is headed by a woman: Jane Shirley, 45, is CEO of London-based Cello Research & Consulting.

For more information, including on the methodology used in compiling the Honomichl Global Top 25 Report, please visit www.MarketingPower.com/honomichl. For more information on the American Marketing Association, please visit www.MarketingPower.com.

About the Honomichl Global Top 25 Report
The Honomichl Global Top 25 report, produced by Jack Honomichl and Larry Gold, covers the largest international players in the marketing research industry. Each company profile reviews the organization's leadership, revenues and business interests. A chart detailing the top 25 organizations is included for easy reference. Marketing News has featured the annual Honomichl ranking of global marketing research firms for more than 15 years. Also featured is a June report on the top 50 research firms in the U.S.

About the American Marketing Association
The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the largest marketing association in North America with a global network of over 30,000 members. It is a professional association for individuals involved in the practice, teaching and study of marketing worldwide. As the leading organization for marketers, AMA is the trusted go-to resource for marketers and academics. AMA is counted on as the most credible marketing resource where members can stay relevant with knowledge, training and tools to enhance lifelong learning and obtain valuable information and connections. For more information on the American Marketing Association, please visit www.MarketingPower.com.

Contact:
Mariam Adeyemo
American Marketing Association
312-542-9083 • [email protected]

SOURCE American Marketing Association