Advertising behemoth WPP Group is finally closer to aqcuiring market research company TNS, perhaps most well known to PR pros for their Cymfony media and market analytics tool.

From PRWeek:

After numerous attempts by WPP Group to acquire Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), TNS executives have released a statement recommending that shareholders accept the latest WPP offer. WPP’s efforts first began with a hostile bid in July. By Friday, 61% of TNS investors had accepted the offer, which totals about $2 billion.

WPP Group PR firms include Burson-Marsteller, Hill & Knowlton, and Ogilvy. The PR and public affairs division of the company recently reported a 9% increase in revenue for 1H ’08.