GfK has strengthened its footprint in the Japanese custom research market by increasing its shares and acquiring two business units, which are now fully incorporated in GfK Custom Research Japan.
Beginning of October 2011, GfK Custom Research Japan acquired the shares held by NTT DATA SMIS in the joint venture between GfK, NTT DATA SMIS and NTT DATA Corporation and consequently increased its overall share to 86%. NTT DATA Corporation will now hold a 14% share in the business. The entire custom research business of NTT DATA SMIS has been integrated in to GfK Custom Research in the process. This also includes the online consumer panel "sMoni", which comprises more than 200,000 panel members. The full-service market research organization NTT DATA SMIS was founded in Japan in 1969 and is a subsidiary of the NTT DATA Group, which specializes in providing IT services. GfK Custom Research Japan's major clients operate in the areas of consumer electronics, automotives and retail.
Also this summer, GfK Custom Research Japan acquired the mystery shopping business assets of Nippon Media to further strengthen its capabilities in this fast-growing research segment. The company, which was established in 1982 has specialized in clients in telecommunications and energy providers.
Junichi Segawa will continue to be the Managing Director of GfK Custom Re-search Japan.
Egypt: GfK Egypt acquired outright
In July the GfK Group increased its share in GfK Egypt by 26% to 100%. The company is one of the leading market research institutes in the region and offers research and consultancy services in the areas of telecommunications, finance and real estate, trade, the pharmaceuticals market and the food industry. Important clients include Mobinil, Mercedes Benz, Pizza Hut, Banque Misr and Credit Agricole.
Dr. Mansour El-Ganady will remain Managing Director of GfK Egypt until January 1, 2012, when he will be succeeded by Ahmed Abdelgalil. Dr. El-Ganady will continue to be available to GfK Egypt in an advisory capacity after he leaves management and will support the CEEMEA regional management as it expands the GfK network in the Middle East and North Africa.