YouGov to raise £27m to fund expansion

LONDON - Online market research company YouGov plans to significantly expand its international presence by raising 拢27m through the creation of additional shares in order to fund the acquisition of three businesses.

The shares, which will be worth 140p each, will be underwritten by Numis Securities and made available following YouGov's completion of the acquisition of Psychonomics, Zapera and Polimetrix.

YouGov said creating shares from the three businesses would aid a substantial expansion in the US, Germany and the Nordic regions, as well as establishing three "geographic hubs" in which it could target businesses in the financial, FMCG, healthcare and insurance sectors.

The company currently holds a 32% stake in Polimetrix, with the acquisition of Zapera and Psychonomics yet to be formally completed, following its announcement on July 27.

Nadhim Zahawi, chief executive officer of YouGov, said: "The acquisitions of both Psychonomics and Zapera strengthen our position in Europe and all three acquisitions [including Polimetrix] expand our client base which we hope will allow us to introduce products and market research services to a wider market.

"In addition we believe that these acquisitions will provide YouGov with an enlarged global presence in key hubs in the USA and Emea."