Hearst buys stake in business intelligence firm Stylus Media

Stylus tracks consumer behaviour and cultural shifts across industries including automotive, technology, media, retail, fashion and hospitality. It was formed in 2010 and its work spans 50 countries. More than 200 clients, including Ford, Sony, Saatchi & Saatchi and Mulberry, have subscribed to receive the firm’s data.

Hearst Corporation CEO Frank Bennack said: “For all businesses to be competitive, spotting the next trend can mean success or failure. We believe that Stylus offers information that no company should be without. The growth potential is very promising, as is the benefit to our own brands and businesses.”

Marc Worth (pictured), Stylus’ founder and CEO, added: “Hearst’s global presence will help drive Stylus’ business forward in Asia and Latin America as well as its core markets of the US and Europe. Hearst’s investment in both technology and new media businesses makes it an ideal partner and will allow us to meet demand for cross-sector, cross-country design intelligence.”

As part of the deal, Hearst Interactive Media’s president Kenneth Bronfin will take a seat on the Stylus board.