US agency the NPD Group has entered an initial agreement with TNS Infratest, to acquire Infratest's Italian perfumery business. Separately, TNS Secodip, TNS subsidiary in France, is to exit the French selective beauty tracking business - a core area for NPD.

A definitive agreement with TNS Infratest is anticipated in October, following compliance with Italian labour law procedures. As a result of the moves, NPD plans to expand its Selective Beauty tracking service in France, and to introduce its complete product portfolio currently available in France and the US into Italy.

Andy Tarshis, President of NPD Europe, describes the move as an exciting step forward that waves the way for future expansion of our Selective Beauty business in Europe and Asia.