Prague, March 2026 – Norstat, one of the leading data collection providers for market research and insight across Europe and the Americas, has acquired Czech panel provider National Sample. This move increases Norstat’s production capacity and expands its proprietary panel coverage in Central and Eastern Europe.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Prague, National Sample (formerly Český národní panel/European National panels) operates online panels in Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Thailand completing over 3 million interviews annually across 3,000 projects.
Through this strategic acquisition, Norstat adds local office support in Czechia and further strengthens its panels in Czechia and Poland, while also giving clients access to premium panel coverage in five new markets. National Sample’s robust sample standards reflect Norstat’s strong focus on data quality and will support effective integration into the wider group.
National Sample clients will also benefit from Norstat’s extensive global operations and market-leading data collection offering, and digital products & solutions, including Norstat Express, Norstat Dashboards, MyNorstat, and Norstat Studio.
With this acquisition, Norstat now operates proprietary panels in 45 countries.
Tomáš Říha will assume the role of Managing Director of National Sample, reporting directly to Tue Meier-Poulsen, Regional Director at Norstat.
Erling J.B. Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer of Norstat, commented: “We are delighted to finalise the acquisition of National Sample, which marks a key step in our journey to becoming a leading data collection company in Central and Eastern Europe. We see strong demand for high-quality data across these markets, and National Sample’s people, technology, and proprietary panels are perfectly positioned to support our ambitious growth strategy. We look forward to working closely with Tomáš Říha and the team to meet increasing client demand for data across these markets.”
Tomáš Říha, Managing Director of National Sample, added: “We have built National Sample with a strong focus on quality, transparency and client service. Joining Norstat is, simply, a great cultural and organisational fit, and it gives our clients access to extensive sample provision throughout Europe and the Americas, as well as innovative digital products & solutions. This is an exciting time for us at National Sample and for our clients, and we cannot wait to start delivering new and expanded services as part of the Norstat family.”
For more information, please visit www.nationalsample.com
Media contact:
Erling J. B. Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer, Norstat
+47 922 28 606
erling.eriksen@norstatgroup.com
Tomáš Říha, Managing Director, National Sample s.r.o.
+420 778 541 817
tomas.riha@nationalsample.com
National Sample s.r.o.
Štěpánská 611/14, 110 00 Praha 1, Česká republika
Additional information:
About Norstat
Norstat is one of the leading data collectors for market research and insight in Europe and the Americas. We use well-grounded research methods to collect reliable data about any desired topic or target group. We offer sample-only services, full-service fieldwork and digital solutions, using the method that works best – scientifically proven, fair to respondents and sustainable for the industry.
Established in Norway in 1997, Norstat operates across Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Brazil, the USA, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Chile.
About National Sample
National Sample s.r.o., formerly known as European National Panels, was founded in 2012, with a primary focus on data collection in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2025, the company expanded beyond continental borders by entering its first Asian market, Thailand. Its top priority remains delivering unmatched data quality.
The company leverages proprietary in-house software to ensure seamless operations. It currently operates in eight countries: Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Thailand. Each year, National Sample conducts approximately 3 million interviews across 3,000 projects.