The industry analyst business is no stranger to M&As. Generally, most of the dust settles within a few weeks or months. However, there are rare occasions when the business integration takes so long that everyone forgets they’re waiting for closure. We’ve got one of those rare cases today: the official integration of Analysys, Mason and Catalyst into Analysys Mason.

The official integration was unveiled today. Datatec announced plans for it back in August 2004. Almost four years in the making.

The new Analysys Mason footprint uses what’s becoming the universal analyst business org chart: analysts on one side of the aisle, consultants on the other. On paper, this model benefits research and consulting clients alike.

For prospective clients and the rest of us, the new brand means less confusion at last between Analysys and Analysys International.

Much about Analysys does not change. I continue advising prospective research buyers to look into Datatec, the majority owner of Analysys Mason, as part of the analyst selection process. I’ve never heard a single criticism stemming from the Datatec ownership since the acquisition. However, what’s the point of demanding transparency if you don’t take advantage of it? Make sure you’re informed and comfortable. Datatec puts its subsidiary holdings into perspective in a handy menu.

Best of wishes to all at Analysys Mason.

I’ve started my summer reading early this year, with a round of books on social media and influencer marketing. Please speak up, if you can recommend other books in these areas.

Groundswell - Winning in a world transformed by social technologies, by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff. “It’s a book by two Forrester analysts with practical, data-based strategies for companies that want to harness the power of social technologies like blogs, social networks, and YouTube. Featuring 25 full case studies, a complete road map for social strategy, and data from around the world.” - excerpt from the book microsite

The New Influencers - A Marketer’s Guide to Social Media, by Paul Gillen. “The New Influencers is a book for corporate marketers and executives who want to understand and engage with the vast new channels of influence that are emerging online.” - excerpt from the book microsite

Influencer Marketing - Who Really Influences Your Customers, by Nick Hayes and Duncan Brown. “The book demonstrates clearly, authoritatively and with numerous real examples Seth Godin’s widely accepted view that it’s ‘useless to advertise to anyone except connectors with influence’… For all those involved in marketing and sales this book will be an essential analysis of how to identify who has influence, how they apply it, and how you can turn it to your advantage.” - excerpt from the book microsite