Business management consultancy completes latest acquisition

Management consultancy EMB Group has completed its second acquisition in three months with the signing of York-based Qa Research. The deal follows EMB’s acquisition of Blue Marble Research in April, with both deals supported by the Geldards Corporate team.

Qa Research provides qualitative and quantitative data collection services for clients from various sectors, specializing in reaching hard-to-reach audiences.

Blue Marble Research, on the other hand, is a market and social research firm with a focus on environmental and sustainable projects. The company works with commercial brands, charities, government bodies and utility providers.

Following the acquisition, both companies will join the family of companies under the EMB Group umbrella, while continuing to operate as independent companies.

EMB Group Chief Executive Danielle Gillett (pictured above) said: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Marble and Qa Research to the group. Together they enhance our existing research capabilities and broaden our expertise in areas such as Utilities, Regulatory and Hard to Reach.”

The group has a long-standing relationship with Geldards, which advised it on its acquisition of research specialist Pye Tait in 2023. Geldards corporate partner Paul Feenan advised on all aspects of the two recent transactions, supported by solicitor Sophie Henwood, senior associate Manjot Shokar and trainee solicitor Charlotte Hajduk.

Feenan said: “It has been a pleasure advising EMB Group on these recent acquisitions. Geldards has worked closely with Danielle and the team to help them realise their ambition to expand their business footprint over the last few years.”

“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to advise on the acquisition of Blue Marble Research and Qa Research and wish EMB Group every success in its continued growth path.”

Danielle Gillett added that the Geldards team “were able to work at our pace and support two acquisitions in rapid succession”.

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