WPP takes research focus

Beijing - Market research outfit Yankelovich has formed an agreement with WPP to merge with consumer trends company Henley Centre HeadlightVision and Kantar and expand its China operation.

The merger would provide the company's clients with a more comprehensive and global insight into consumer change and the ability to act on those insights.

The combined companies currently have presence in the US, New York, London, Delhi and Mumbai, with plans underway to grow in China.

Sian Davies, CEO for Henley Centre HeadlightVision, said: "We are seeing major shifts in consumer attitudes and lifestyles as BRIC and other fast growing economies expand, as health and wellbeing and environmental concerns gather pace globally, and as consumers use new media in innovative ways".