Aegis in talks to sell Synovate

AEGIS  SYNOVATE  HAVAS  ACQUISITION

Global - Aegis is in talks with French research group Ipsos in what could possibly result in the ultimate sale of its market research unit, Synovate.

Aegis, led by CEO Jerry Buhlmann (pictured), confirmed discussions with Ipsos were underway regarding a "potential transaction" regarding Synovate.

"There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached," an Aegis statement said.

Aegis Group is made up of two operating businesses, Aegis Media (Carat, Vizeum, Posterscope, Isobar and iProspect), and Synovate. Analysts have valued at Synovate at around 500 million pounds or US$821 million and the business arm is often labeled as having "few synergies" with the rest of the business.

Ipsos too issued statement saying the discussions demonstrate the willingness to bring together, in one team and under the Ipsos banner, a combined team of research experts allowing the company to execute its growth strategy.

For long, rumors of a potential merger between Aegis and French group Havas have been doing rounds with financier Vincent Bollore being the major shareholder in both companies.

The speculations led to a 7% jump in Aegis' shares on Monday.

The deal if successful could leave the marketing services group cash rich to beef up its presence in the global market including Asia, largely through acquisition of more digital assets.

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