first Secodip panel launch in Argentina in 1996, a partnership between IBOPE and NDP launched another new panel in Chile in 1998. In 2000, IBOPE, NPD and TNS created the LatinPanel joint venture, representing the existing Brazil, Argentina and Chile operations. The acquisition of Samimp added the existing panels in Peru and Bolivia to LatinPanel in 2002. In 2004 TNS acquired two additional companies, Data in Central America and CIMA in Colombia and Venezuela, bringing their consumer panels into the regional network. Finally, Ecuador and Mexico panels were also built and launched in 2004 and 2005 respectively, consolidating LatinPanel business in the region. In 2007 TNS became owner of LatinPanel to bring together the Latin American network with Worldpanel in other regions. In North America, as a result of the Taylor Nelson Sofres' acquisition of NFO in 2003, the beverages usage panel was incorporated to the group. In 2006, TNS Worldpanel reinforced its presence in the US with a new personal care usage panel. In 2008 TNS was bought by WPP, which resulted in the strategic decision to create a stand-alone company focused on consumer panels and branded Kantar Worldpanel. The initial focus on fast-moving consumer goods was later widened to increase the number of sectors covered. Now Kantar Worldpanel measures fashion, telecommunications, entertainment and fuel among other products. The range of methodologies has also been transformed from traditional mail questionnaires to a wider range including bar-code scanners, internet and SMS. The company developed its first international panel (Worldpanel Comtech) in 2006 and the delivery tool Worldpanel Online in 2010. In 2011, a new panel in Indonesia was launched. In 2012, a new strategic tie up with another Kantar company, IMRB, lead to the integration of their consumer panel in India into the Worldpanel network. In 2013, Kantar Worldpanel expanded into Africa, launching panels in Nigeria and Kenya through another alliance with TNS-RMS and Ghana will be launched in 2014. References Market research companies of the United Kingdom Companies established in 1997 WPP plc