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Boston-based financial institution advisory firm Aite-Novarica Group plans to merge with RBR, a London-based research and data firm, to create a global research and advisory firm focused on the financial services and retail technology sectors.

The combined company will have headquarters in both Boston and London, the firms said in a statement today. Aite-Novarica Group’s CEO, Kurt Reisenberg, will lead the combined company.

“RBR has built both a world-class research and data collection reputation and deep relationships with its customers,” Reisenberg said in the statement. “Combining RBR’s unrivalled data products and research capabilities with Aite-Novarica Group’s market-leading insights and advisory services creates an unparalleled combination with potential to deliver even more impact to our clients.”

Aite-Novarica Group provides advisory services to banks, payments providers, insurers and securities firms on technology, regulations, markets and operations. RBR provides global market research to payment networks and financial and retail technology suppliers.

The firms said the merger would further solidify RBR’s “position as the preeminent insights and advisory firm focused on financial services,” while also expanding Aite-Novarica Group’s international presence.

“ANG’s analyst-driven advisory capabilities and strong foothold in the US complement RBR’s global industry research and client reach,” Dominic Hirsch, managing director of RBR, said in the statement. “RBR is excited to begin a new chapter in its three-decade long history of providing excellence to clients in the cards, payments, banking and retail technology sectors.”

Both organizations will continue to offer their suite of reports, subscriptions, data services, customized research, consulting and conferences, the statement said. They will continue to operate as independent brands for now.

The move follows the merger in July 2021 between Aite Group and Novarica Inc.