Repucom Acquires Image Impact; Consolidation of the US Sports Broadcast Content Analytics Market

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Repucom America LLC, the leading provider of broadcast content measurement in the United States, today announced the acquisition of Kansas City based Image Impact Inc.

The operational merging of Repucom and Image Impact will be undertaken over the next six months and will bring a consolidated, single voice to the measurement of content in the US and Global sports market.

In announcing the deal, the CEO of Repucom, Paul Smith praised the Founder of Image Impact, Russ Cline, and his team for their efforts in building a very effective business.

"Ten years ago Russ Cline revived the role of broadcast content analytics in sports marketing in the United States by bringing sound methodology and process to the largest sports media market in the world," said Mr. Smith. "The opportunity to work in partnership with Russ and his entire team at Image Impact was one that made strategic, commercial and financial sense," he added.

Russ Cline, CEO of Image Impact is delighted with the arrangement.  "In the last two years we have seen the US sports market becoming far more aligned with global research trends and initiatives.  We have sought to be part of a truly global business model and the opportunity with Repucom was ideal," said Mr. Cline.

Through this transaction Image Impact will become part of RSMG Insights along with Sport+Markt AG and Repucom.  RSMG Insights is the largest specialist sports marketing research agency in the world.

In 2011 Repucom America will launch a diversified range of research services including consumer based research and consulting services.

REPUCOM has rapidly grown into the world's foremost authority in measuring the value and effectiveness of brand exposure within all forms of sports media. Utilizing proprietary biometric image detection software, industry leading media metrics and reporting tools, market exclusive access to U.S. Nielsen ratings for sports broadcast exposure and a deep understanding of how brand exposures are delivered inside of broadcast content, Repucom services over 500 major consumer brands, content rights holders, broadcasters and marketing agencies around the world. Founded in 2004, this privately held company has a global network of 10 wholly owned and operated offices and nearly 700 employees. www.repucom.net

IMAGE IMPACT Inc.® is a provider of brand placement measurement and valuation within mass media programming.  Utilizing cutting-edge delivery platforms such as BrandBase® (www.brandbase.tv), providing comprehensive, verifiable brand placement evaluation and consulting analysis to take clients Beyond the Numbers®.  Image Impact is the official provider of brand placement analysis information for Major League Baseball and continues to provide brand placement measurement for broadcasters, brands and agencies. www.imageimpact.tv

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SOURCE Repucom America LLC