Aimia, formerly known as Groupe Aeroplan Inc., expects its expertise in analyzing consumer shopping habits to add more revenue and more global clients in the next few years, CEO Rupert Duchesne said Friday.
"I think you will see us bring on new partners in that area in the next 18 months, but we're not going to rush for growth until we've got a strong base," Duchesne said after Aimia's annual shareholders meeting.
Aimia (TSX:AIM) provides data analytics to five global clients including Australian grocer Coles, U.S.-based drugstore chain CVI and Canada's Sobeys grocery chain.
The company's data analytics business — Intelligent Shopper Solutions — analyzes shopping habits to allow businesses to provide relevant offers and discounts to their customers.
Duchesne said Aimia's main competitor in the field is marketing data specialist Dunnhumby, which as been acquired by U.K.-based grocery and general merchandise retailer Tesco. He said Dunnhumby has clients in 15 countries with revenues in the $300-million to $400-million range.
"We feel fairly comfortable that over a reasonable build-up period we ought to be able to equal their size," he said, adding that data analytics provides opportunities in retail, financial services and travel.
Intelligent Shopper Solutions now brings in about $50 million in annual revenues, said chief financial officer David Adams.
"There is no reason not to believe that this business could be five times as large at maturity," Adams said.
Duchesne said data analytics are key to Aimia's success.
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