TNS, the world’s largest custom research company has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Research and Marketing Services group of companies (RMS), the largest custom research agency in West and Central Africa. The acquisition of a majority stake in RMS follows an affiliation agreement signed in March 2010 with RMS and an investment by WPP in RMS in August 2010. The acquisition of RMS will add Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana to TNS’ existing network covering South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt and Morocco. This was made known to the media and RMS business partners when officials from TNS and RMS held a press conference to announce the completion of the acquisition in Accra. The CEO of TNS Africa and Middle East, Kim Macllwaine said, “Via the acquisition of RMS, TNS becomes the first market and social research company with a comprehensive African network able to service local, regional and global clients in all African markets. No other research company will have the depth of knowledge of the African consumer or the understanding of opportunities present in the rapid growth emerging markets of Africa.” CEO of RMS Adeola Tejumola, who has been appointed to head the merged TNS RMS in West, East and Central Africa, said, “It is fitting that on the 30th anniversary of RMS, we will commence the next stage of our development as part of TNS, the world’s largest custom research agency.” “TNS RMS will offer an unmatched combination of RMS’ unique knowledge and understanding of the African market with TNS’ global expertise in all facets of market and social research including growth areas such as Technology and Digital,” Tejumola added. “TNS RMS will have a West African hub based in Lagos, Nigeria with East Africa being operated from Nairobi, Kenya. Aggrey Maposa, currently COO at RMS has been appointed as CEO of West Africa while Melissa Baker, TNS CEO in East Africa will head the merged East African business. The new group will be called TNS RMS,” Tejumola concluded. Giving details of what TNS offers to its clientele, Adewale Obaseki, Managing Director of TNS RMS Ghana said, “TNS is the global leader in custom market research delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to clients around the globe so they can make more effective business decisions. Present at the colourful ceremony included, Kareem Tejumola, Chairman, TNS RMS Group, representatives from MTN, GGBL, Coca Cola, Tigo, Cadbury, Olam and other business partners of TNS RMS. Source: Joy Business