The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the move, part of Shapiro+Raj’s strategy to concentrate on its core business, is being described as a ‘transition’.

Susan Stanicek (pictured), senior vice-president of Shapiro+Raj’s qualitative fieldwork practice, has been appointed vice-president of client solutions for Schlesinger Chicago, with the unit’s staff becoming employees of Schlesinger Group.

Chicago-headquartered Shapiro+Raj was formed in 2014, when chairman and chief executive Zain Raj acquired independent market research firm Shapiro.

Steve Schlesinger, chief executive, Schlesinger Group, said: “We are delighted that Zain and his team have selected Schlesinger Group to take care of the fieldwork and facility needs of their clients. Susan and her team are integrating well into our company and bringing value as they continue to deliver recruiting and project management excellence and to integrate the Shapiro+Raj panel.”