Harris Interactive Extends European Capabilities with
Acquisition of German Online Market Research Firm MediaTransfer AG
Noteworthy points on MediaTransfer acquisition:
- Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany – with approximately 50 full-time
employees
- Provides stronger access into the $2.2 billion German market – the world’s
fourth largest
- Fast growing – high-profit firm with approximately $6 million (USD)
revenue in CY2006
- Conducting online research since 1999 – with over 90% of revenue now
Internet-based
- 250,000 member, highly diverse online research panel
- Extensive CPG research expertise, methodologies and technologies
- Will join Harris Interactive Europe under the Harris Interactive brand
ROCHESTER, New York and HAMBURG, Germany – April 2, 2007 – Harris
Interactive® (NASDAQ:HPOL) has acquired MediaTransfer AG Netresearch
& Consulting, a private European online research firm based in Hamburg,
Germany which will provide access into the $2.2 billion German market research
market - the fourth-largest in the world.
MediaTransfer was founded in 1996, and has been conducting online research
since 1999. The firm generated approximately $6 million (USD) in revenue in
calendar 2006, 92% of which was derived from Internet-based research. The firm
has extensive experience and deep expertise in the CPG industry, including the
application of proprietary technology that creates virtual retail shopping
simulations to test package design, shelf placement configurations, pricing etc.
In addition to its strong CPG practice, MediaTransfer has proven expertise in
telecom, financial services and pharmaceutical research.
"Adding MediaTransfer to the Harris Interactive family will expand our
access into the European research market and enable us to better serve our
multinational clients," stated Gregory T. Novak, president and CEO of
Harris Interactive. "Their deep experience in conducting online research,
their 250,000 member online panel, their rich CPG expertise and their innovative
visualization technology will be strong additions to our global solutions
portfolio."
"This is a big plus for our customers as well," 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 €9 million (about $12 million USD) in the all-cash
deal for the firm, which has excess net working capital of approximately €1
million and no debt.
The 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, one of the longest running, independent
opinion polls 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. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market
research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development
services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation. More
information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at
www.harrisinteractive.com. To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and
be invited to participate in online surveys, register at
www.harrispollonline.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: http://b2b.mediatransfer.com Click here
for the online shelf test demo.
Contacts– Harris Interactive
Dan Hucko
SVP, Corporate Communications – Investor Relations
585-214-7470
800-866-7655 x7470
Nancy Wong
Senior Manager - Public Relations
585-214-7316
800-866-7655 x7316
nwong@harrisinteractive.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This media release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking
information. We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those discussed. Additional detailed information concerning a number of
factors that could cause actual results to differ is readily available in the
"Risk Factors" section of the most recent Annual Report on form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
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