The agency will have a combined client base of more than 100 healthcare companies worldwide with international, multi-­country marketing research projects accounting for 65% of company sales.

Headquartered in Lyon, France, AplusA has offices in Paris, London, and New York, with new additions in California, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Steve Bell and Juan Falla, senior partners, will lead the US business. They founded Bell Falla 14 years ago and built its reputation in therapeutic and pharmaceutical market research.

Steve Bell, senior partner, Bell Falla, said: “Joining with AplusA, is a ‘win­-win’ for both staff and clients. For the staff, it provides an opportunity to grow in a truly global company.

"For clients, this means an even deeper bench of highly seasoned marketing research professionals and resources that can only enhance the delivery of insights and high quality research for which both firms are known.”

Pierre Pigeon, president, said: “Adding Bell Falla to the AplusA family of companies is the perfect fit. We are significantly expanding our presence in the US and achieving the right balance in sales between US and Europe.

“We have 140 employees today, and plan to double in size in the coming years. The addition of Bell Falla is the first step in the implementation of the growth strategy we envision with our shareholder, Dentressangle Initiatives­-Capextens Group.”