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 EUR 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.

Web sites: www.gfk.com , www.dmrkynetec.com and www.gfk.dk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

• GfK Germany
• All news