Infas’ main shareholders, representing 77.52% of the ownership structure, have already given their support to the acquisition, with the company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

An Ipsos group company called Alsterhöhe 15. V V AG – soon to be renamed Ipsos DACH Holding AG – is leading the voluntary public cash takeover offer for all Infas shares, with the price of the public takeover offer set at €6.80 per share.

The acquisition would see Infas’ headquarters in Bonn and 800 employees be added to the Ipsos network, operating under the name Ipsos Infas in Germany.

Infas carries research for companies, public bodies and political parties on a range of services including customised national and international studies, such as labour market, education and transport research.

In Germany, Ipsos has more than 500 employees at five locations: Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Nuremberg.

Ben Page, chief executive officer at Ipsos, said: “The new combined entity will be one of the largest players in Germany, which is a key strategic growth market for Ipsos, and will benefit from enhanced expertise, expanded customer reach and significant synergies.

“Both Ipsos and Infas share a client-centric approach and a dedication to innovation, ensuring a strong cultural fit and a seamless integration. We are confident this acquisition will create substantial value for the shareholders.”

Menno Smid, chief executive officer at Infas, added: “If this transaction with Ipsos were successful, it would be a logical evolution for Infas. Both companies have built their reputations on their commitment to customer focus, methodologically rigorous research, and delivering insights that have a real-world impact.

“This merger would allow us to amplify these strengths on a European and global scale and leverage the combined expertise of both teams to shape the future of market, opinion and social research.”