Merrill Lynch announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Global Media Intelligence (GMI), a provider of independent research on the media sector.

“GMI is widely known as an expert in the media space with a long history as a premiere source of data in the industry,” says Michael Lynch, managing director and head of global commission management in Global Equities at Merrill Lynch. “We think the role of research continues to play a significant part in our client offering and this is another example of our commitment to high quality research.”

He adds that good research is related to good performance and as clients are looking to get more of an edge in research and therefore performance, Merrill will provide any and all tools to provide access to the research that institutional clients want.

“Our clients will have the ability to set up a relationship with GMI,” says Lynch. “Clients can then have the option of compensating GMI directly or through commission arrangements with Merrill Lynch,” says Lynch. Merrill intends to continue adding independent research providers as well.

“Going forward we hope to strike similar relationships with other independent research firms in different industry verticals,” says Michael Bird, director in global commission management at Merrill Lynch.

Bird adds that the criteria for selecting these independent research partners will be based on the quality of the product offering first and foremost. Merrill has recently appointed someone to take responsibility for the direct sales efforts in this area as well.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to build on the brand association between Merrill Lynch and our high quality content and executions,” says Lynch.

GMI is owned by Screen Digest, which provides data, analyses and forecasts for the global media industry. GMI also recently purchased Adams Media Research, which provides independent research on the U.S. media and communications industry.