GFK plots new move for TNS

Market research firm GfK today said it was working on a plan to foil rival WPP’s £1bn (€1.25bn) interest in merger partner Taylor Nelson Sofres.

The German firm has teamed up with a financial backer in the hope of drawing up an alternative to WPP’s hostile offer to TNS shareholders. The proposal will replace the merger of equals previously agreed between GfK and TNS.