Chinese Buy for Experian

Database and credit checking giant Experian has continued its programme of acquisitions with the purchase of an undisclosed minority share in Chinese agency, Sinotrust Marketing Research and Consulting.

The acquired firm provides automotive, IT & telecoms, banking and pharmaceutical business information and MR services from its offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. It is a subsidiary of business risk management company, the Sinotrust Group which employs more than 600 staff and provides credit research reports to foreign investors on specific Chinese business partners.

The stake was acquired from the firm's three original founders, who all worked for the former Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation until establishing the company in 1992.

Sinotrust's sales in the year to 31 December 2005 were $11m, with gross assets as at that date of $7m. The agency is on the net at www.sinotrust.com .

Experian recently announced acquisitions of UK-based Economic Research Services (www.mrweb.com/drno/news6405.htm ) and Belgium consumer analytics firm, Adhoc Solutions (www.mrweb.com/drno/news6211.htm ). It is online at www.experian.com .

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