They are the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper. Created in 1946, they have nearly 70 years' experience in helping businesses, financial firms and governments to understand how the world is changing and how that creates opportunities to be seized and risks to be managed. A British company, they are intensely global. They service clients across the world from the 24 offices, the staff speak over 25 languages and they embrace foreign cultures with a passion.

They believe that deep insight comes from bringing together the best data with the best methodologies and the best people. They deploy huge resources to acquiring and checking the economic and market data, including the use of primary research techniques and fieldwork when necessary. Some of their methodologies, frameworks and analytical tools are quantitative, others qualitative. But all are cutting edge. And their people are all experienced country or industry experts, opinionated and well qualified to inform your decision-making.

They are outspoken in their views. Unlike the sister company, The Economist newspaper, much of their work is bespoke for clients and remains confidential. But they share the same fierce passion for independence and integrity. Clients work with them because they are not afraid to tell them what they really think. They never pander to internal agendas or work to buttress some preconceived strategy. They have no vested interest in any specific recommendation—they do not undertake follow-on work to help clients to implement strategies or plan M&A. They just analyse the facts and present the conclusions. They believe that theirr clients execute better strategies as a result.