Explorer Research specialises in path-to-purchase, planogram, packaging and shopper experience research.

Established in 2002 and with offices in Toronto and Chicago, the company offers in-lab experiential research at its facilities, working with consumer packaged goods and retail clients including Kraft and PepsiCo.

Through the acquisition, Savanta’s clients will obtain access to in-person, online and virtual reality shopper research.

Explorer Research will have the opportunity to broaden the propositions it offers through Savanta’s global infrastructure, audience access and client base.

Explorer Research will continue to operate under the Explorer Research brand, led by the management team of Mike Moussallem, Anne Stephenson, and Marc Inkol.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. The deal follows Savanta’s acquisitions of Infosurv at the start of 2023, and Motif and Mindspark last year.

Vin DeRobertis, chief executive, Savanta Americas said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mike, Anne, Marc and the wider Explorer Research team to Savanta. The shopper insight solutions they deliver are world-leading, and I’m excited to help the team grow this fantastic work across the globe.”

Mike Moussallem, president, Explorer Research (pictured), added: “With Savanta’s global reach and audience access, together we will be able to help more brands deliver exceptional shopper experiences. We were impressed by Savanta’s ambition and ethos from the very first meeting.”