The GfK Group expands its HealthCare activities in the USA
Acquisition of majority shareholding in US pharma market research specialists V2
Nuremberg, Germany (ots)
With effect from 31 July 2003, the GfK Group will acquire a stake of 51 per cent in pharma market research specialists V2 in Pennsylvania, USA. This acquisition grants GfK access to the most important market for information services relating to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical diagnostics. V2, which was founded by Dr. Richard B. Vanderveer in 1994, offers research services and strategic consulting for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets as well as medical diagnostics. V2's client base includes a whole host of leading global healthcare companies, such as Pfizer, Novartis, Aventis, Allergan and GlaxoSmithKline. The services comprise qualitative and quantitative ad hoc research and analyses relating to healthcare as well as advisory services and support with regard to strategic sales and marketing.
With a staff complement of 59 full-time employees, the company generated sales of approx. USD 24.7 million in 2002. At an exchange rate of EUR 1.15, this would amount to EUR 21.4 million. In the USA, V2 is the largest independent specialist ad hoc market researcher for the pharmaceutical industry. According to the latest ranking of the Top 50 US market research companies compiled by Jack Honomichl of Inside Research, V2 ranks in thirtieth place. V2 will be consolidated in GfK's group statement from 1 July on.
By acquiring a majority stake in V2, the GfK Group has taken a decisive step towards creating a fifth division - HealthCare. GfK forecasts sales of around EUR 50 million in this segment in 2003. In the past two years, the GfK Group has already invested heavily in expanding the HealthCare segment. The GfK HealthCare network includes acquisitions in Germany, Switzerland, UK and USA and a minority shareholding in France.
Further information: www.gfk.com
Contact:
E-Mail: ulrike.schoeneberg@gfk.de
Phone: +49/9113952645