GfK Expands European Network

The GfK Group has acquired a 26% stake in UK agriculture and animal health research specialist dmrkynetec, increased its holding in GfK Danmark in Denmark, and formed GfK Albania to cover the central and east European regions.

Headquartered in Newbury, Berkshire, dmrkynetec was
created out of the merger of Doane in the US and kynetec in the UK.
In 2007, the firm, which has around 90 staff, recorded sales
totalling €18.2m under the leadership of its MD Stephen Hearn.
GfK’s two subsidiaries m2A in France and GfK Animal Health in the
UK have been merged with dmrkynetec, and the newly formed company
will be headquartered in Guernsey, UK.
With the acquisition of
the remaining 13%, GfK Danmark is now a wholly owned subsidiary of
the GfK Group. The company, which is headquartered in Fredriksberg,
Copenhagen has a core focus on FMCG and the healthcare markets. The
firm was established in 1989 and is currently led by MD Henrik
Stender.
Tirana-based GfK Albania was formed at the beginning of
July from market research institute ISO. GfK says the move gives it
the capability to supply clients with information in a total of 19
countries in the region. The firm specialises in custom research and
its five members of staff offer qualitative research, multi-topic
surveys and customised contract research. The company is headed by MD
Adlej Pici.
Also this month, GfK upped its existing 9% stake in
London-based games, music and video retail information provider
Chart-Track by a further 46% to expand its international network in
the retail and technology sector.