RSMG Insights acquires IFM Group

RSMG Insights, a global leader in sports research, extends portfolio with strategic acquisition of IFM Group including IFM Sports Marketing Surveys
New York, 5 March 2012 - RSMG Insights today announced the acquisition of international sports research agency IFM Group. 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 shall continue to trade in their respective markets as operating businesses under the RSMG Insights holding, ensuring a smooth transition for their many clients in top-level international sport. 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 world-leading 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 allows 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 and, thus, can also draw from his expertise.

About RSMG Insights A global leader in sports research

As a strategic holding, RSMG Insights manages a portfolio of companies which have for more than 25 years been among the leading service providers in the sports research industry. RSMG Insights was formed in November 2010 with the aim of providing the global platform in sponsorship monitoring, analysis and valuation to the sports business market. The Groups companies, which include REPUCOM International and SPORT+MARKT, operate under their own brands. With more than 1,200 employees in 20 offices around the world and the leading technology and facilities for media evaluation, market research and commercial auditing, RSMG Insights has created the industrys first, truly independent, global full-service portfolio for sponsorship research and consultancy.

About IFM Group

IFM Sports and Sports Marketing Surveys merged in 2008 to form IFM Group, a major independent sports research and evaluation agency. As a key player on the international sports research and consultancy landscape, IFM Sports and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys have been providing brands and rights holders decisive insights for over two decades. With 200 employees worldwide, the companies offer their clients a holistic service from the initial analysis phase through to eventual

performance monitoring.

Your Contacts
Ilka Wendlandt Corporate Communications Manager Barry Johnston International PR Manager RSMG Insights e: barry.johnston@rsmg-insights.com t: +49 (0) 221 430 73 177

RSMG Insights
e: ilka.wendlandt@rsmg-insights.com t: +49 (0) 221 430 73 132