Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York, Benenson Strategy Group ran the research and polling programmes for President Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns and has advised 11 prime ministers and presidents worldwide.

Kantar said the acquisition added Benenson Strategy Group’s unique strengths to it’s line up of companies and reflected the growing demand among opinion leaders for deep, consumer-based insights, rooted in behavior change.

Benenson Strategy Group will continue to be run by co-founders Joel Benenson, CEO, (pictured) and Carl Rossow, COO, along with its senior leadership team of Peter Brodnitz, Daniel Franklin, Mitch Markel, and Amy Levin, all principals at the firm.

Kantar CEO Eric Salama said: “Joel and his team bring a unique dimension to Kantar’s global offer through their advanced research, deep insights and unique approach to the understanding of consumer attitudes. These characteristics will enable us to open new doors and embrace new techniques for the clients we serve through Kantar’s operating companies, while expanding Benenson Strategy Group’s expertise across sectors and geographies.”