NPD Group buys UK travel retail analysis firm

Market researcher the NPD Group has signed an agreement to acquire Counter Intelligence Retail Ltd., which provides data and analysis on products sold at airports, on cruise ships and other venues frequented by travelers, the company announced in a news release.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Port Washington-based NPD operates in 20 countries and posted revenue of $307 million in 2015.

CiR, based in Escrick, England, provides research and analysis to manufacturers, retailers and operators of travel hubs.

“We are excited to be adding travel retail to our portfolio,” said Michel Maury, group president, Europe and Asia, for NPD. “Our clients are very interested in having more information on the industry, which we will now be able to offer through CiR,” Maury said in a news release Tuesday.

CiR managing director Garry Stasiulevicuis said, “By joining the NPD family of companies, we will have access to a new level of point-of-sale-data tracking expertise and a new platform for improved advisory services.”

The deal is expected to close in early January, the companies said.

CiR will operate as Counter Intelligence Retail, an NPD Group Company.

The NPD Group provides market information on apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, consumer electronics, diamonds, e-commerce, entertainment, fashion accessories, food consumption, food service, footwear, home, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, technology, toys, video games, watches and jewelry.

By Ken Schachter

kenneth.schachter@newsday.comkschach

Ken Schachter covers corporate news, including technology and aerospace, and other business topics for Newsday. He has also worked at The Miami Herald and The Jerusalem Post.