Oxford Economics buys controlling stake in forecaster BIS Shrapnel

UK-based advisory firm Oxford Economics has acquired a controlling stake in leading Australian analytics and forecasting firm BIS Shrapnel for an undisclosed sum, which the former says will make it the largest independent economics research firm in the world. 

The new organisation will be named BIS Oxford Economics and will see the merger of BIS Shrapnel  with the Australian arm of Oxford Economics. BIS Shrapnel generally focuses on the building, construction, property and mining sectors.

“This investment by Oxford Economics sees the merging of BIS Shrapnel’s deep knowledge of the Australian and New Zealand economies with Oxford Economics’ detailed understanding of the global economy,” said Robert Mellor, managing director, BIS Oxford Economics.

The new firm will be better able to assess market trends and quantify the impacts for its clients at the global, national and city levels, said a media release.

“The acquisition brings together Oxford Economics’ rigorous global modelling and analytical framework with BIS Shrapnel’ expertise across the Australian economy, in particular in forecasting investment cycles,” said Adrian Cooper, chief executive officer and chief economist, Oxford Economics.

“This agreement expands the Oxford Economics Group to more than 300 staff globally, making it the largest independent economics research firm in the world, and allows us to support our clients in understanding economic trends and their impacts both domestically and globally.”

Highlighting this, Mellor added that “major political, social and economic events in nations abroad have profound global impacts – look no further than Brexit or Trump”.

The new entity will operate from BIS Shrapnel’s existing offices in Australia. Robert Mellor will lead BIS Oxford Economics, with Dr Frank Gelber to remain Chief Economist and Director.

All of BIS Shrapnel's staff will be retained.