Thomson Financial has acquired Macdonald & Associates, a Toronto-based research firm that has compiled a database on Canada's venture capital sector. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Mary Macdonald, who founded Macdonald & Associates in 1985, will continue to run the business which will be integrated into Thomson Financial's investment banking group. "Mary Macdonald's experience and relationships will be key to further expanding Thomson Financial's footprint in the Canadian private equity and broader investment banking marketplace," said Debra Walton, Thomson Financial's global managing director for investment banking. Thomson Financial is a unit of Thomson Corp. TOC (TSX) rose 37 cents to $41.96. CP