NPD Buys Solar-Energy Market Research Firm

TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 3/1/2010

Port Washington, N.Y. - The NPD Group has acquired Solarbuzz, an international solar-energy market research and consulting company.

 Solarbuzz, founded in 2001, will operate in conjunction with The NPD Group Company's DisplaySearch, the flat-panel display and electronics market research and consulting company.

The acquisition extends The NPD Group's global market and supply-chain research expertise into the solar-energy sector. Solarbuzz will keep its brand name, and the Solarbuzz team will report to Tim Bush, GM of The NPD Group's analyst-based services.

DisplaySearch's existing solar-energy research reports and services will be folded into Solarbuzz's product portfolio. As a result of the acquisition, clients will be able to leverage more reports, services and expertise in the solar research market. By operating in partnership with DisplaySearch, its sister company, Solarbuzz will gain access to an extended network of sales and research support around the world, especially in Asia.

"We anticipate the solar-energy market will expand rapidly as we continue to witness increased government and industry efforts focused on renewable energy," noted Tod Johnson, chairman/CEO of The NPD Group. "As the flat-panel display (FPD) supply chain matures and extends its manufacturing expertise into the solar-energy sector, we see an opportunity to quickly expand our business in this segment by acquiring Solarbuzz, an established brand in the solar industry since 2001. The company will complement DisplaySearch's supply-chain expertise in the FPD segment."

Craig Stevens, who will continue to serve as Solarbuzz's president, stated, "We share a common vision to provide comprehensive, high-quality solar market research to our respective client bases. We are delighted to become a part of The NPD Group family and have taken advantage of our discussions in recent months to plan further expansions to the existing range of Solarbuzz reports and consulting services."

Bush added, "We are thrilled about the acquisition of Solarbuzz and believe their globally recognized name, commitment to quality research, and deep roots in the solar industry will greatly enhance our capabilities in the solar research market. The synergies between both companies are substantial, and we look forward to blending our combined market research expertise in the solar and renewable energy sectors."