The acquisition will combine Mercator with Javelin Strategy & Research, which was bought by Escalent in 2019, on thought leadership for the payments industry.

Mercator will be able to access Javelin’s financial services industry coverage across fraud and security, digital banking, lending and wealth management.

Mercator clients will also be able to access Escalent’s custom financial services research team, qualitative research practice, and marketing and data sciences division.

Current Mercator president and chief executive, Rob Misasi, will assist in overseeing the transition before departing.
Misasi said: “This is such a unique opportunity for the Mercator team and for our clients.

“Backed by Escalent’s strategic data capabilities alongside Javelin’s financial services practices, Mercator is able to join a growing platform that will continue to deliver truly exceptional payments industry coverage and market-leading insights yielding tangible results.”

Escalent, formerly Market Strategies International-Morpace until a rebrand in 2019, acquired strategic insights consultancy Grail Insights from NewQuest Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum last year.

Melissa Sauter, chief executive at Escalent, said: “Mercator offers powerful payments research and insights so we saw an excellent opportunity to expand and invest in our payments expertise.

“We’re thrilled to welcome their highly respected leaders and analysts to the Escalent family.”

Jacob Jegher, president at Javelin Strategy & Research, added: “The Mercator team’s knowledge and expertise are a fantastic addition to Javelin’s payments and financial services capabilities.

“Our combined team promises an unmatched level of thought leadership and service.”