In a move that will consolidate its position as one of the leaders in the Electronics Market Research field, IMS Research announced today that it has acquired Young Market Research (YMR), a highly innovative research company that focuses on the Displays, TV, Solid-State Lighting and Photovoltaic (PV) industries.

YMR is headed by Ross and Barry Young, who are probably best known as the founders of DisplaySearch, the leading flat panel display market research, consulting and events firm, which they sold to the NPD Group in 2005.

Commenting on the background to the acquisition, IMS Research’s Senior Vice President and head of US Operations Ian Weightman said: “With over 75 analysts around the world, IMS has grown into a broad-based supplier of market research to the electronics industry. This strategic acquisition enables us to move strongly into the Displays research area, which was one of the few gaps in our portfolio. It will also help us to consolidate our positions in the TV, PV and Solid-State Lighting markets.”

As part of the transaction, the key executives from YMR will be joining forces with IMS Research. Ross Young will move to head-up IMS Research’s new Displays Research Division, as well as acting as a Principle Analyst in the PV sector.

Barry Young will work on a variety of projects for IMS, many of which will be able to draw on his experience as Managing Director of the OLED Association. Weightman explained the benefits of this: “YMR executives such as Ross and Barry are very highly regarded in their industries. Bringing their knowledge and experience into IMS will enable us to develop new products and services that will help us to achieve the aggressive growth targets we have set for ourselves.”

President of YMR, Ross Young, is very pleased to be able to further develop his industry coverage through this new relationship: “I am thrilled to be joining the growing IMS Research team, which is doing first-class work throughout the electronics and industrial value chains. Combining their proven methodologies, strong analyst team and global reach with our long experience, expertise, insights and contacts in the Display industry will result in unparalleled market intelligence for past and future customers.”