Forrester Expands in Germany 2/10/2000 Forrester Research is to acquire Frankfurt-based Forit, GmbH, the leading Internet research firm in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Steffen Binder and Christian Nolterieke, former Monitor Group consultants, founded Forit in 1998. Forit's Compass programme covers the rapidly growing German e-commerce marketplace through a stream of written research, consumer data, and expert advisory opinion. The company is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and employs 23 people. According to George F. Colony, Chairman and CEO of Forrester, "German-speaking markets are poised to be a centre of hypergrowth for the Internet economy. Joining forces with the impressive team of professionals at Forit puts Forrester at the focal point of this growth. Together, Forit and Forrester will provide the most comprehensive and powerful e-commerce research for clients in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The acquisition of Forit extends our position as the leading Internet research firm in Europe by building on our existing research centres in Amsterdam and London." Steffen Binder and Christian Nolterieke, co-founders and managing directors of Forit, will continue to oversee the company's operations together with its existing management. "Joining Forrester is both a milestone and a momentous opportunity for everyone at Forit," said Binder. "Since our founding, Forit's goal has been to provide our clients with an objective foundation for their Internet business decision-making. Combining with the worldwide leader in Internet research makes it possible for us to provide this service to a larger number of clients than ever before."