The exact nature of the deal is vague – whether acquisition, investment or partnership agreement. Outsell describes it as its “third transaction” to date, following the 2006 acquisition of Electronic Publishing Services and the 2008 takeover of Eduventures’ business research arm.

Outsell co-founder and CEO Anthea Stratigos (pictured) said: “This event joins two leading analyst firms and broadens Outsell’s coverage in a very important area, where content meets technology. In the next decade, the information providers who succeed will ensure content is accessed and experienced in new and unique ways. Technology is fundamental to this strategy, and The Gilbane Group is the acknowledged authority in this important area.”

Gilbane founder Frank Gilbane will remain president of the company, which will trade as a division of Outsell going forward. Gilbane’s analyst team remain intact though it seems redundancies are likely for HR and finance personnel as the two firms are brought together.