The Dublin-based market research group MRBI will soon be part of the fourth-largest market information group in the world with the planned merger of Taylor Nelson AGB and the French company, Sofres, the company said last night. MRBI, which was acquired last year by Taylor Nelson AGB, said the new company would have an international network of more than 4,000 staff, spanning 28 countries on four continents.

"Sofres' and Taylor Nelson AGB's combined sector expertise will create a world leader in research for the consumer goods, healthcare, media, automotive, business and financial services industries," the company said.

Sofres is currently the sixth largest market research company in the world, with projected turnover for this year at around 1.85 billion French francs (£212 million) and 3,000 employees. Taylor Nelson AGB, ranked number 15 in the world and the largest in Britain, estimates its 1997 turnover will touch £96 million sterling.