Ipsos launches a voluntary public takeover offer for infas to acquire the industry leader in German public sector research

Press Release

Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research companies, has launched a voluntary public takeover offer for infas Holding AG, an important player in the field of market, opinion and social research in Germany.

Based in Bonn, the infas group has more than 300 employees and generated around €50 million in revenue in 2023. Infas is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Its main shareholders, representing about 77.52% of the ownership structure, have already given their support to the acquisition.

Infas conducts research for companies, public bodies and political parties. The group’s range of services includes customised national and international studies, e.g. labour market, education and transport research.

With almost 20,000 employees, a strong global presence in 90 countries and over 5,000 clients worldwide, Ipsos is one of the largest market research companies in the world. It provides a vast pool of respondents from diverse markets, ensuring comprehensive coverage of client needs to deliver reliable information for a true understanding of Society, Markets and People. In Germany, Ipsos has over 500 employees at five locations: Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Nuremberg.

This acquisition will allow Ipsos to combine its global reach and wide expertise with infas’s German legacy, know-how and reputation. The infas location in Bonn will be added to the Ipsos network. The combined structure will represent more than 800 people and will offer its clients an even broader range of innovative research services under the name Ipsos infas in Germany.

Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos, commented: "The new combined entity will be one of the largest players in Germany, which is a key strategic growth market for Ipsos, and will benefit from enhanced expertise, expanded customer reach, and significant synergies. This transaction aligns perfectly with our 2025 strategic objectives, particularly our commitment to strengthen our leadership position in serving governments and public sector clients. Both Ipsos and infas share a client-centric approach and a dedication to innovation, ensuring a strong cultural fit and a seamless integration. We are confident this acquisition will create substantial value for the shareholders."

Menno Smid, CEO of infas, does also see the potential in a possible acquisition: : "If this transaction with Ipsos were successful, it would be a logical evolution for infas. Both companies have built their reputations on their commitment to customer focus, methodologically rigorous research, and delivering insights that have a real-world impact. This merger would allow us to amplify these strengths on a European and global scale and leverage the combined expertise of both teams to shape the future of market, opinion and social research. We would be excited to bring the power of both brands to the market, offering our clients an unparalleled level of service and insight and offering new opportunities to our employees."