The NPD Group Acquires Solarbuzz

Port Washington, NY; March 1, 2010. The NPD Group, a consumer and retail information specialist, has announced the acquisition of Solarbuzz LLC, an international solar energy market research and consulting company. Solarbuzz will operate in conjunction with The NPD Group Company's DisplaySearch, a leading flat-panel display and electronics market research and consulting firm.

The acquisition is designed to extend The NPD Group's global market and supply chain research expertise into the growing solar energy sector. Solarbuzz will keep its brand name, and the Solarbuzz team will report to Tim Bush, General Manager of The NPD Group's analyst-based services. DisplaySearch's existing solar energy research reports and services will be folded into Solarbuzz's product portfolio. By operating in partnership with DisplaySearch, its sister company, Solarbuzz will gain access to an extended network of sales and research support around the world, especially in Asia.

"We anticipate the solar energy market will expand rapidly as we continue to witness increased government and industry efforts focused on renewable energy," noted Tod Johnson, Chairman and CEO of The NPD Group. "As the flat panel display (FPD) supply chain matures and extends its manufacturing expertise into the solar energy sector, we see an opportunity to quickly expand our business in this segment by acquiring Solarbuzz, an established brand in the solar industry since 2001. The company will complement DisplaySearch's supply chain expertise in the FPD segment."