Marketing group buys airport retail specialist Pragma Consulting

Nicole Mezzasalma

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

Pragma Consulting to benefit from new owner’s strength in emerging markets

International Marketing & Sales Group (IMSG) has acquired UK airport retail specialist Pragma Consulting for £5m ($10.08m). Pragma has completed over 650 projects for clients including Autogrill, P&O Cruises, Network Rail and Vodafone and has advised airports such as Kuala Lumpur International, Zurich International and Berlin Brandenburg. The company specialises in business and customer behaviour consultancy in the retail, travel, leisure, property and service sectors.

In the year ended 31 March 2007, Pragma generated a turnover of $4.4m and pre-tax profits of $560,000. Currently, 80% of revenues are derived from repeat business.

IMSG executive chairman Gregory Thain said: "IMSG's strategy to develop a genuine through the line service has been bolstered by [this] acquisition. Pragma has built an excellent reputation in the UK and worldwide across an impressive client list. With their expertise in retail and brand strategy and our experience and contacts in the emerging markets we believe we will be able to offer a distinctive service to both new and existing clients, in particular in India."

Pragma director Roy Palmer added: "Over the last 20 years we have built a highly successful international retail and brand consultancy business, which has considerable potential to continue to grow, both at home and in new markets. Being part of IMSG will enable us to leverage our skills and accelerate the development of the business in some of the most rapidly expanding consumer global markets. It is a very exciting opportunity for Pragma and we look forward to a very successful and close working relationship."