Both companies are already active within the Chinese markerplace but said they are entering into a joint venture “to further improve the quality of its China panel and to contribute to expansion of the Chinese online research market.”

Under the deal, GMO Research’s China Cloud Panel, a research panel comprising 1.6 million members, will be brought together with E-lab’s local knowledge, operating methods, marketing strength and business operating expertise.

Shinichi Hosokawa, CEO of GMO Research, said: “We are excited to establish an official presence in one of the most significant markets for online research worldwide and we plan to be rolling out services through the new joint venture for the China market this month. I am confident the combination of GMO Research’s high quality research panel and E-Lab’s proven track record in the Chinese market will enable GMO E-Lab Marketing Research to become number one in Greater China and Hong Kong within three years.”