Touchstone Partners and Shoppercentric will continue to operate independently and retain their current staff, with Jon Darby and Jamie Rayner continuing as managing directors of each business. Shoppercentric was acquired by Touchstone in 2018.

Sharcc Group is a holding company formed earlier this year with majority stakes in seven UK research agencies: Potentia Insight, DataTree, SigDiff, Potentia Sports, Pegasus Insight, InsightX Research Solutions and Silent Customer.

Each member of the holding company retains operational independence while accessing expertise elsewhere in the group.

Ant Randle, director at Sharcc Group, said: “Jon and Jamie have built an outstanding business with an excellent reputation, and they’re a great fit for the group.

“Their expertise complements our existing businesses perfectly and broadens what we can offer clients, while allowing Touchstone and Shoppercentric to continue operating with the independence and entrepreneurial spirit that has made it so successful.”

Jon Darby, managing director at Touchstone Partners, said: “Joining the Sharcc Group will create significant opportunities for the team, while enabling us to accelerate the development of the innovative products and services we are bringing to market.” 

Jamie Rayner, managing director at Shoppercentric, added: “We didn’t want to lose what makes Touchstone and Shoppercentric work: our closeness with clients, our ability to adapt and to be entrepreneurial. Sharcc understands that, which is why this felt very right.”