GfK Takes Majority Share in Nielsen JV

GfK Retail and Technology has upped its stake in its Indian joint venture (JV) with Nielsen from 40.0% to 50.1%. Previously known as ORG-GfK Marketing Services, the JV will now be re-branded as GfKNielsen India and will be included in the consolidated accounts of the GfK Group.

Established in 1998, the firm conducts measurement of consumer durables, technology and retail categories in South Asia. It has a staff of 16 based in offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, and in 2008 generated sales of EUR 3m.

Sameer Shukla, who joined the company in 2007, has been appointed General Manager. He was previously Country Manager of ACNielsen Nepal.

In a statement, GfK said the JV now offers 'unique opportunities for expansion of the product coverage and for access to international clients' as well as 'new service opportunities for local and international manufacturers.'

GfK Retail and Technology offers point-of-sale (POS) data from retailers and resellers in more than 80 countries.

Web sites: www.gfkrt.com , www.gfk.com and www.nielsen.com .