Founded in 2004, YouthSight is the owner of the UK’s largest youth research panel, consisting of around 150,000 members.

Its services include higher education research and youth, student and young professional research and insight.

The acquisition will expand audience access for clients of the two businesses.

YouthSight’s management team, including founder and chief executive officer Ben Marks, Josephine Hansom, managing director, insight, and Tatenda Musesengwa, managing director, panel and data services, will remain with the business.

There are no initial changes to the company’s branding or day-to-day running, according to Savanta.  

Paul Bath, chief operating officer, Savanta (pictured), said: “YouthSight will bring new ideas and capabilities, which combined with Savanta’s data, technology and expertise will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients in the UK and around the world. We look forward to working alongside the highly talented team at YouthSight.”

The financial terms have not been disclosed. Jon Priest of Capel Partners brokered the deal.

Marks said: “Today signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for YouthSight. As part of the Savanta family, we will continue to deliver the same great passion for youth research that has always been at the heart of the company, while further developing and expanding the range of services we can provide to our clients.”

The deal is Savanta’s fifth acquisition since it was launched from the merger of MIG Global’s data businesses in February 2019. Since then, the company has bought the research division of Wealth-X, the UK division of Future Thinking, ComRes and HSR Associates.