By Vince Bond Jr., Crain News Service
DETROIT (Aug. 14, 2013) — IHS Inc. increased its 2013 revenue forecast to account for its acquisition of R.L. Polk.
IHS, a global information company with businesses that include defense industry publisher Jane's, energy research firm CERA and economics firm Global Insight, expects revenues in the range of $1.8 billion to $1.82 billion for the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, up from the $1.67 to $1.73 billion forecast in June.
Scott Key, the company's CEO, said during a conference call Aug. 13 that HIS expects continued growth in 2014.
"Regarding R.L. Polk for 2014, we expect revenue to expand 8 to 10 percent, representing positive accretive growth to IHS," Mr. Key said.
R.L. Polk, family-owned for more than 140 years, said in March it was weighing its options, including a sale of the company. Polk, which owns Carfax, traditionally has been known for collecting vehicle registration data, forecasting sales and tracking owner loyalty.
CEO Stephen Polk said in a June interview that he's committed to making the transition successful for IHS and R.L. Polk's employees. Mr. Polk, the company's chief executive since 1994, said he isn't sure what his role will be now.
IHS announced in July that Polk President Tim Rogers, who had been in that role since 2010, and Michelle Goff, CFO since joining Polk in 2001, were leaving the company, Crain's Detroit Business magazine reported.
This report appeared on the website of Automotive News, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.