Facts founder Lee bought out by Chime

UK research agency Facts International has been sold to Chime Communications – the owner of Opinion Leader Research – and a private investor, Nick Lamb.

Lamb becomes chairman of the business, replacing Barbara Lee who first launched the agency 23 years ago.

Lee has retired following the sale, and deputy managing director Linda Marsh has been promoted to MD. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Facts International is now part of Chime's Research Group, which consists of Opinion Leader, think tank Opinion Leader Forum, and luxury goods researcher Ledbury.

Opinion Leader and Facts have a client relationship stretching back “many years”, according to a statement issued by the new owners.

Lamb, meanwhile, is a former chairman of Crown Business Communications and worked for Chime 16 years ago.

The sale went through Friday, 9 February, and Lee moved to assure clients in a letter that “it will be business as usual”.

Facts employees 39 full time staff and has facilities for up to 80 part time telephone interviewers.

Author: Brian Tarran

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