MUMBAI: In a move that emphasizes its brand name and underscores its commitment to create an integrated, streamlined global organization, VNU has announced that it is changing its name to The Nielsen Company.

Announcing the change, The Nielsen Company chairman and CEO David L. Calhoun said that given the company's increased focus on marketing and media information services, Nielsen is a name that more clearly suggests the company's position and role in the marketplace.

According to an official statement, the immediate steps to launch the new branding for the company include the introduction of a new corporate web site, (www.nielsen.com) and graphic identity. The new identity will be rolled out progressively by all Nielsen businesses during 2007.

"We are focused more intently than ever on the delivery of truly integrated marketing and media services that reveal clients' growth opportunities," added Calhoun. "We are uniquely positioned to provide clients with a complete understanding of consumer behavior, with new insights into where their markets are headed, and with high-value solutions to their business issues. We will work more closely together than ever to deliver revolutionary products and services that bring real clarity to today's complex markets."

"Nielsen will be the primary name and branding that will be adopted in every part of our business. That said, there is no question that the existing identities or brands such as ACNielsen, Nielsen Media Research, Spectra, Homescan, BASES, Claritas and many others, including their respective underlying product brands, plus our many Business Media and editorial identities have tremendous meaning and equity in the marketplace. As we implement our new branding, we will protect and enhance that equity and link it appropriately to the governing Nielsen brand."