In earlier postings Australia Gets Own Version of YouGov and Old Brigade Goes Feral With Upstart Pollster I covered the joint venture between Photon Group and the London online election polling and research group YouGov. The Sydney Morning Herald is now reporting that the venture is on the verge of collapse.

However, observers close to Photon said this week YouGov had pulled out of last month’s deal, negotiating for majority control of the joint venture, which Photon is understood to have rejected. Photon is said to be days away from acquiring the local social research company Auspoll, which has various Labor Party and local government contracts and has done election polling for the Seven Network and Sky News in the past.

It seems that Australia nay to have to wait a little longer before they get their YouGov.