Maximiles to buy German online sampling provider
French customer loyalty company Maximiles has agreed a deal to acquire German online sample provider Panelbiz.
Maximiles, which provides an online sampling service itself, said that Panelbiz provides respondents “for most of the market research agencies operating in Germany” and runs a panel of 230,000 members in its domestic market.
Panelbiz, which is majority-owned by German research agency Innofact and venture capitalists Holtzbrinck Ventures, also offers access to around 40,000 respondents in Austria and Switzerland.
Maximiles has agreed to acquire 100% of the company in an all-cash deal. The Panelbiz management will remain in their roles once the deal has been completed.
The firm, based in Berlin, posted revenue of €2.6m for 2009, an increase of 52% on 2008.
Maximiles acquired the UK’s iPoints.co.ukin 2006, and a year later it launched offerings in Spain and Italy.
It says the latest acquisition completes its presence in the big five economies of Europe, along with two other countries, enabling it to position itself as a truly European access panel provider. Maximiles adds that it also underlines the acceleration of its development in a market with strong potential for growth.
Maximiles chairman and CEO Marc Bidou commented: “We’re delighted with this acquisition, which sees us strengthen our position in the high potential online survey market in which we already enjoy competitive advantages due to the size and quality of our panels. The deal is in line with our strategic goal of becoming a European-wide player.”