WPP’s data investment management arm Kantar has signed an agreement with Iranian market research agency Rahbar Bazaar, to help clients looking to gain a foothold in the market.

Rahbar Bazaar, set up in Tehran in 2003, already works with clients including MCI, Henkel, Unilever and BAT Pars.

Kantar says that advertisers are keen to explore opportunities in the Iranian market, following the relaxing of economic sanctions by the international community last year.

“There’s been a very high level of interest in Iran among our clients since the easing of the sanctions. With a population of over 80 million people, Iran presents a significant growth opportunity for many of our global clients,” said Stephen Hillebrand, CEO MENAP for Kantar Insights.

“This agreement heralds Kantar’s commitment to help develop new business opportunities for our clients in this important growth market. We look forward to working with Rahbar Bazaar to deepen the service offerings for both Kantar’s clients, and Rahbar Bazaar’s clients, in Iran.”

“We believe that access to Kantar’s global network of market research experts, its proprietary consumer insight and technology tools and its market research ‘best practices’, together with our dedication, local insights and expertise, along with our young motivated team will make a compelling service offering.” Added Rahbar Bazaar founder Afshin Vafadar.

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