On a reported basis, revenue was up 18.1%, but that includes acquisition-related growth of 5.7% and positive exchange rate effects of 4.7%.

Gross profit increased 19% to €333m, while operating profit was up 51% to €43m.

All regions saw organic growth: Europe was up 3.5%, North America 6.5%, and Latin America and Asia Pacific/Middle East posted increases of 16% and 21% respectively.

Similarly, all business lines showed year-on-year improvements, although opinion and social research was flat organically. Ipsos said this was due to “a slowdown in the UK, which started before the general election”.

In its outlook for the rest of the year and next year, the company said: “Ipsos’ market is busier than it was this time last year. However, caution is still required. The global economy is unlikely to see a return to pre-2008 growth rates for some time to come.

“We remain positive however. Growth is weak, but genuine in developed countries. Emerging markets are also seeing real growth in activity, and this should remain the case.”