Analytics firm Trendum has acquired BuzzMetrics, a company that conducts word-of-mouth research. Both are based in New York. The new company, which will continue its business under the BuzzMetrics name, has the backing of VNU, the owner of research brand superstars ACNielsen and Nielsen Media Research. VNU is a minority shareholder. BuzzMetrics names Mazda and Hewlett-Packard, among others, as clients.