The UK-based TNS, the second largest market research firm in the world, is expanding its product portfolio in tandem with its increased offshoring activities from India.
Mike Kirkham, chief executive, "India is an important market for us. Considering the growth potential here, we are expanding our operations."
Post TNS' global acquisition of NFO last year, the Indian arm of NFO had been merged with TNS India. The merged entity is looking at offering products to financial services and healthcare sectors apart from the existing sectors such as FMCG, telecom, automotive, polling and social that it already caters to.
This is because of the growth rate witnessed by these sunrise sectors as compared to the FMCG industry that is on a slow track. TNS India has three divisions--customised research, stakeholder management and offshore research service centre.
The company will be relocating some of the jobs from its home country UK. It is planning to ramp up the headcount to 260 at its BPO unit in Hyderabad from the current 180 people. It plans to take the total strength to 400 by the end of next year.
The unit handles data processing, help desk support, software and computer aided telephone interviews. The Hyderabad unit will cater to the UK, Europe and US markets.
TNS is a over $1.5 billion company and is the leader in providing customised research. Its operations spans across 70 countries. India contributes just 1 per cent to its total turnover and according to Kirkham, its share would increase in the coming years.
Some of its key clients are Procter & Gamble, IBM, Motorola, Unilever among others. TNS over the years has consolidated its presence through inorganic growth.
It had acquired CMR, the largest provider of advertising expenditure measurement in US, bought a sizable equity in China based research firm. It acquired the MDC Group, and had purchased a firm in Sweden.
