Phoenix Marketing International Embraces Expanded Market Reach and Deeper Insight Into the Overall Customer Experience With the Acquisition of Sterling Research Group

RHINEBECK, N.Y., March 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phoenix Marketing International, a premier global marketing services firm, today announced the acquisition of Sterling Research Group. In addition to market expansion, the acquisition will also offer clients deeper insight about every angle of customers' values, opinions, wants and needs. Using Phoenix's innovative, mobile engagement research platform, mXP, and Sterling's expertise and understanding into the voice of the customer, Phoenix is building on its existing customer experience offerings. The announcement was made by Allen R. DeCotiis, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Marketing International.

"Sterling's excellent reputation in the VOC (voice of the customer) market coupled with Phoenix's analytic expertise, innovative technology platforms and our ability to take in-the-moment data and analytics to a whole new level makes this an excellent acquisition for both companies," said Al DeCotiis. "Our team looks forward to fostering Sterling's long-standing relationships and advancing the analytics and technology that drive the work we do for clients each and every day."

Sterling has been recognized as an industry-leading market research firm with heavy category expertise in casinos and hospitality. Awards include Florida High Tech Corridor Fast 50 Award, Workforce Innovation Award, and Membership in the Fast 50, a Deloitte and Touche survey of Tampa Bay's fastest growing businesses. Other marketplace experience includes Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail, Higher Education and Restaurants. "Sterling's industry experience will strongly complement the depth of industry expertise in the Phoenix organization and provide clients with the next generation of actionable VOC market knowledge," said Martha Rea, President of Phoenix Marketing International.

Phoenix is one of the top market research firms in the United States with eleven offices in the U.S. and Europe. The company works across diverse industries and its products/services focus on Customer Experience, Communications and Brand and Product Innovation, with extensive research experience in the Automotive, Financial Services, Healthcare, Converged Technology and Media, Restaurant, and Travel/Leisure sectors.

"Sterling is thrilled to become part of Phoenix Marketing International," said Leslie Martin, Managing Director. "We share their commitment to achieving results for clients through creative research solutions and close business partnerships. These have been guiding principles of Sterling's founders, Bill and Jan Haueisen, and this acquisition positions us to further strengthen our offerings."

Sterling's offices will remain in St. Petersburg, FL. The division has been branded Phoenix Sterling and will be run by Ms. Martin. More information about the new division can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/24Rg0FV

About Phoenix Marketing International

Phoenix Marketing International is a premier global marketing services firm providing its clients with tailored, unique insight into their customers and markets via a wealth of existing proprietary data. Coupled with custom research products and the latest qualitative and quantitative techniques, Phoenix has extensive research experience across the Automotive, Financial Services, Healthcare, Converged Technology and Media, Restaurant, and Travel/Leisure sectors. From the strategic definition of consumer needs to effective marketing program implementation, PMI provides profit-driven market solutions and is committed to maximizing a client's Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI) by leveraging the ability to attract and retain new business through cost efficient data acquisition and statistical modeling techniques. Founded in 1999 by Chairman and CEO, Allen R. DeCotiis and President, Martha Rea, Phoenix Marketing International has established its global presence with offices in major locations such as New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, Detroit, and London.