A Match Made in Green Heaven

With the increased demand from many consumers for more and more businesses to "go green," NPD Group, formerly known as National Purchase Diary, recently acquired the firm, Solarbuzz LLC, cementing its place in helping Port Washington and the world become a greener place.

"This is a natural fit for us," said Tim Bush, NPD Group's general manager for analyst-based services, in reference to the acquisition.

Solarbuzz LLC, which will keep its brand name, is an international solar energy market research and consulting company that will operate in conjunction with NPD Group's DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in flat panel display and electronics market research and consulting. The acquisition extends NPD Group's global market and supply chain research expertise into the burgeoning solar energy sector. The Solarbuzz team will report to Bush.

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.

"Solarbuzz will complement the DisplaySearch supply chain's expertise in flat panel displays," Bush said. "This is the natural next step for our expanding analyst services."

The pairing will help the west-coast based Solarbuzz attract more business in Asia, where one of NPD affiliate offices is.

Solarbuzz president Craig Stevens, who is staying in his position said, "With deep roots in the solar industry since 2001, we were looking to expand our global presence into Asia, as well as extend our solar energy research into the manufacturing and materials segments of the industry, and the ability to leverage DisplaySearch's budding experience in the solar sector and solid global sales and marketing were also attractive in providing greater client service to Solarbuzz's current and future client base."

NPD Group's newest acquisition, like any new partnership, is good for both sides, as both companies gain mutual support as the growing flat panel business begins to find its way into the private sector.

"As the flat panel display supply chain matures and extends its manufacturing expertise into the private sector, we saw an opportunity to quickly expand our business in this segment by acquiring a leading brand in the solar research market," Bush said.