The sports equipment, participation and sports facility business of IFM Sports Marketing Surveys has been purchased by John Bushell, a director of IFM Sports Marketing Surveys, and Stephen Proctor, former owner of Sports Marketing Surveys.
The buy out vehicle will trade as Sports Marketing Surveys Inc to reflect the strong link with Stephen’s US business which operates in the same category areas.
The US business will continue to be headed by Keith Storey, a long term associate of Stephen Proctor. The SGMA (Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association of America) is a key minority shareholder.
John Bushell, who has resigned his role as a director of IFM Sports Marketing Surveys, will be Managing Director of Sports Marketing Surveys Inc UK, with Stephen as Chairman of both companies.
John said: “The Sports business has always been my passion, and I look forward to my enhanced role and to focusing 100% of my time on this. I am also delighted that the established team who have been working in this area for many years are coming with the new business.”
Stephen adds: “When I sold Sports Marketing Surveys to IFM, I was always aware that their focus was on Sponsorship Research and Evaluation, which was a major reason I retained my involvement in the USA. When they approached me some months ago to reacquire the Sports Equipment business, I recognised this as a great opportunity.
“With our involvement in the USA, I believe we are now the world’s largest Specialist Sport Research organisation. This is a great deal for both parties and leaves the IFM Group free to concentrate on its core businesses in sponsorship research and evaluation.’’
The new company will operate from separate premises at Wisley, Surrey, and, although sharing a similar name, will use an entirely different style and image.
Sports Marketing Surveys Inc will provide a full research service primarily for Sports Equipment Manufacturers and Distributors, for Federations, Retailers and Sports Venue Operators where the general public or members play their sport.
Services, solutions and insights will be provided to all those interested in participation rates, equipment and facility usage, sports brand images, customer and retailer satisfaction, operating costs and associated areas.
Key sports at present are Golf, Tennis, Snow Sports, Running, Football, Swimming, Outdoor and US Team Sports. Other areas are being progressively added.
From its bases in the UK and USA, the companies provide a world-wide service to meet the needs of its world-wide client base.
John Bushell can be contacted via john.bushell@sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com
Tel: 07500 777 565