Taylor Nelson Sofres plc Now Ranked as World's Third Largest Marketing Information Group

Business Wire, April 7, 2003

Business Editors

HORSHAM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003

Taylor Nelson Sofres plc (TNS), a world leader in market information, now ranks as the world's third largest marketing information group based on its 2002 financial results.

With reported 2002 revenues of GBP618.9 million ($929 million USD(1)), TNS has surpassed the Kantar Division of WPP Group plc to become the world's third largest market information group based on revenue.

TNS, which provides market measurement, analysis and insight in more than 110 countries, reported its 2002 results on March 10, 2003. The company reported revenue growth of 6.2 percent over 2001, based on organic growth and acquisitions made during the year.

In reporting the company's 2002 results, Chief Executive Officer Mike Kirkham said, "In a year when our clients' marketing budgets were under severe pressure, TNS increased both profit before goodwill and revenues. I believe this is a creditable performance and indicates that our strategy will deliver longer-term returns for our shareholders."

Mr. Kirkham also said that the growing demand from clients for increasingly sophisticated analysis and solutions-based services also benefits TNS. "A recent contract win illustrates how we are able to meet this demand. In early 2003, in France, we developed an innovative system for advising clients on the optimum media selection for all their consumer communications. This approach combines expertise from various parts of our business and was instrumental in securing a major contract from Renault Nissan."

According to Bruce Shandler, chief executive officer of TNS Intersearch, TNS' custom research organization based in the United States, the company's position in the U.S. was strengthened by strategically important acquisitions. "Our U.S. custom business grew organically by approximately four per cent, which out-performed the market. The excellent performance was driven primarily by significant contract wins in the technology and media sectors and the success of our branded solutions.

"The acquisition and integration of the custom research division of Greenfield Online, Inc., in February 2002, has significantly improved our capabilities in Internet data collection, which is becoming increasingly important in the U.S. market. With their superior expertise in the CPG sector, the acquisition of Elrick and Lavidge has created tremendous opportunities with some of the largest international clients with whom we had no prior relationship."

In addition to TNS Intersearch, TNS' brands in the U.S. include TNS Media Intelligence/CMR, TNS Market Development and TNS Telecoms.

In 2003, the company expects its markets to perform along the same lines as in 2002. TNS expects its syndicated panel and continuous services to maintain steady growth. Media Intelligence and customized ad hoc are dependent on the recovery in advertising/public relations and the economic environment respectively.

TNS will maintain its focus on initiatives that allow the group to derive the maximum benefit from its global network, sector spread and mix of continuous/syndicated and customized activities, which they believe are unique within the market information industry. It will continue to invest in developments that position the group at the forefront of the industry and that should drive organic growth.

About TNS Intersearch

TNS Intersearch, one of the ten largest custom research companies in the United States, is organized into specialized groups focusing on automotive; consumer packaged goods; e-commerce; financial services; food and beverages; health and beauty aids; healthcare; information technology; media; public opinion polling; restaurants; retail; social and government; sports, events and sponsorship; telecommunications; transportation; travel, leisure and hospitality; and utilities and energy sectors.

About TNS

TNS is one of the world's leading market information groups, providing market measurement, analysis and insight in more than 110 countries. Working with national and multi-national organizations, we help our clients to develop effective business strategies and enhance relationships with their customers. Further information on TNS can be found on www.tns-global.com .

(1) Based on conversion rate of 12/31/02, GBP1.0 = $1.50 USD.