Z/Yen, the leading risk/reward management firm, has acquired research consultancy Aspect Consulting as part of a strategic sales relationship with Kaizo, the value-based communications division of The Argyll Consultancies plc. Stephen Martin, managing director of Aspect Consulting, will become an executive director of Z/Yen and will remain on the Argyll board as a non-executive director to co-ordinate the joint working between Z/Yen and Kaizo.
The new partnership became effective on January 7 2002 and the two partners are already working together on a number of client projects ranging from market understanding for a major network integrator to a consumer awareness study for a food manufacturer.
Ian Harris, managing director of Z/Yen, said: “We are absolutely delighted to get involved in this way with Kaizo. Z/Yen and Kaizo share the same quality and customer service ethos. Both are advice businesses committed to action. This Aspect deal fits exceptionally well with Z/Yen’s risk/reward philosophy and will add to our already exceptional quality, diversity and breadth.”
Stephen Martin, director of Z/Yen Aspect, added: “Z/Yen already has an enviable track record in strategic research, especially in the banking and technology sectors, which we can help enhance. Z/Yen Aspect and Kaizo joining forces will be a formidable market knowledge and research proposition to existing and potential clients from both stables.”
Crispin Manners, CEO of Kaizo said: “This deal provides even more compelling reasons for clients to buy from Kaizo and Z/Yen. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for Kaizo and Z/Yen to increase Aspect’s rate of growth and to undertake many exciting new projects and developments together. It is truly a deal in which everyone’s a winner.”
Z/Yen specialises in risk/reward management, an innovative approach to improving organisational performance. Z/Yen clients include blue chip companies in banking, information technology, publishing and distribution as well as charities and care organisations.
The Argyll Consultancies PLC is a UK Communications Consultancy Group that serves clients on an international basis through its membership of The Worldcom PR Group which has 121 offices in 38 countries. It was recognised as Ofex Company of the Year in the Growth Company Awards 2001. Its shares are traded on the OFEX market – www.ofex.co.uk – which it joined on November 24, 1999.
The Group trades under the consultancy brand Kaizo.
Founded in 1978, Argyll employs over 35 people in two offices in Central London and the Thames Valley. It is a member of the Public Relations Consultancy Association and the Computer Software and Services Association and is an Investor in People.
Ian Harris or Stephen Martin,
Telephone: (020) 7562-9562,
E-mail: ian_harris@zyen.com
Crispin Manners or Ken Deeks,
Telephone: (020) 7580-8852,
E-mail: crispin.manners@kaizo.net