Maximiles said that Panelbiz provides respondents “for most of the market research agencies operating in Germany” and runs a panel of 230,000 members in its domestic market.

Panelbiz, which is majority-owned by German research agency Innofact and venture capitalists Holtzbrinck Ventures, also offers access to around 40,000 respondents in Austria and Switzerland.

Maximiles has agreed to acquire 100% of the company in an all-cash deal. The Panelbiz management will remain in their roles once the deal has been completed.

The firm, based in Berlin, posted revenue of €2.6m for 2009, an increase of 52% on 2008.

Maximiles chairman and CEO Marc Bidou (pictured) said: “We’re delighted with this acquisition, which sees us strengthen our position in the high potential online survey market in which we already enjoy competitive advantages due to the size and quality of our panels. The deal is in line with our strategic goal of becoming a European-wide player.”