Wirthlin Worldwide
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consulting |
| Predecessor | Decision Making Information, Inc. |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Richard Wirthlin |
| Defunct | September 8, 2004 |
| Fate | Acquired by Harris Interactive |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Richard Wirthlin |
| Products | Political and business advisory services, polling and data analysis |
| Parent | Harris Interactive (from 2004) |
Wirthlin Worldwide was a U.S.-based consulting firm specializing in political and business advisory services, established by Richard Wirthlin in 1969. The organization focused primarily on polling and analyzing data. In addition to its political consultancy, it conducted research for various non-profit organizations and commercial sectors on issues such as public restroom hand hygiene habits, charitable contributions following the September 11 events, how corporate ethics influence consumer decisions, and consumer preferences regarding prescription drug purchasing methods.
On September 8, 2004, the company ended its independent operations after being acquired by Harris Interactive in a deal valued at $42 million.
History
Originally launched as Decision Making Information, Inc. in Los Angeles in 1969, Wirthlin Worldwide was founded by Dr. Richard Wirthlin, an economist holding a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. The firm rose to national recognition in 1980 by providing strategic support for then-Governor of California Ronald Reagan’s presidential bid, which led to continued collaboration throughout Reagan’s presidency.
The company experienced two rebrandings: first to The Wirthlin Group during the 1990s, followed by Wirthlin Worldwide in the early 2000s. In late 2004, it was sold and integrated into Harris Interactive. By March 2005, its original website was discontinued and redirected visitors to Harris Interactive’s platform.
The acquisition transaction totaled $42 million, consisting of both cash and stock components.
External links
- Public opinion research companies in the United States
- Management consulting firms of the United States
- International management consulting firms
- Political consulting firms
- Consulting firms established in 1969
- 1969 establishments in California
- Companies disestablished in 2004
- 2004 disestablishments in Virginia
- 2004 mergers and acquisitions
- 1969 establishments in the United States