Research Now reports doubled organic business

LONDON - Revenues at Research Now have risen 160% in a year marked by tragedy as well as international expansion for the online fieldwork specialist.

In its interim results posted today, Research Now revealed that revenues exceeded £25m for the twelve months ending October 31 2007.

Profit before tax and non-recurring items, such as pre-goodwill amortisation, is expected to be circa £2.5m.

The company's North American operations have been boosted by the £4.9m acquisition of Canada's Samplenet e-Research Solutions, which trades as OpenVenue, in February this year.

Research Now said that North American sales accounted for around 35% of the group's revenue this year, with organic revenues in the US nearly tripling.

The AIM-listed company has also expanded its panel network in Brazil, Switzerland and New Zealand, extending its proprietary panels into a total of 25 countries.

Research Now said the results fall into line with market expectations.

Today's figures come ahead of preliminary results due for publication in January 2008.

In January this year, finance manager Cathy Marlow died in its London office. The ensuing police investigation, after which a man was charged with her murder, led to the firm relocating to new premises at a cost of £500,000.