RSMG Insights Acquires IFM Group

Global sports research company RSMG Insights has extended its portfolio with the acquisition of IFM Group including IFM Sports Marketing Surveys.  The transaction includes IFM comprising German-based IFM Sports and UK-headquartered IFM Sports Marketing Surveys as well as their associated entities and holdings. IFM Sports and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys will continue to trade in their respective markets as operating businesses under the RSMG Insights holding.

“We see this as another significant step towards strategic consolidation on a global basis as well as elevating the sports research industry,” Paul Smith, CEO of RSMG Insights, said. “Our goal is to create a transparent, comparable global platform for sponsorship valuation and research. With this merger, we are firmly on course to achieving that.”

RSMG Insights, which also comprises sports research companies REPUCOM International and SPORT+MARKT, was formed in November 2010 through the merger of these two companies along with additional backing from New York-based investment partners GF Capital Private Equity Fund.

“The sports business is a beacon in difficult economic times and, as such, brands and rights holders are more aware than ever of the importance of reliable analytics,” Erik Baker, Managing Director of GF Capital Private Equity Fund, added. “This acquisition is another signal of the ambition of RSMG Insights to set a new benchmark in the sports research industry.”

With more than 25 years’ experience in research and strategic consultancy in sports business, IFM Sports and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys have built a formidable reputation both in their European home markets and on a global level. The agency counts some of the major brands and rights holders in the world of sport and entertainment among its clients.

This merger will enable IFM Sports and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys to call upon the global network of expertise within the RSMG Insights group, comprising more than 1,200 employees in 20 international offices worldwide and currently carrying out project work in over 170 countries.

Former IFM Sports CEO Oliver Kaiser is founding a new venture, with a focus on strategy as well as consulting. RSMG Insights will hold a minority share in this entity.