GfK Group expands its HealthCare division in Europe

With effect from the beginning of this month, the GfK Group has acquired a 33% shareholding in Research Matters AG, a pharmaceutical market research specialist based in Switzerland. The two companies have also agreed the gradual increase of the GfK stake over the next few years.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Basel, Research Matters carries out pharmaceutical market research and health research. One of the areas on which the company has been concentrating is ad hoc and tracking research on medication used to treat cancer. The institute's clients include Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth, Schering-Plough, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The agency carries out surveys in various European countries such as Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain, as well as in the USA. In 2004, nine full-time employees achieved sales totalling EUR 3.3 million.

Chris Krattiger, who shares responsibility for the management of Research Matters with Wendy Giardina, explained: "We are pleased to be joining the GfK network. It is giving us the opportunity to offer our clients an enhanced range of services and, with GfK's capacity, to carry out larger-scale international surveys."

By acquiring a stake in the Basel-based specialist, GfK aims to extend its international position in oncology diagnostics and therapy research. Wilhelm Wessels, member of the GfK Management Board responsible for the HealthCare division, commented: "With the shareholding in Research Matters, we are gaining a partner noted for its work in the field of cancer research. This is another very important step in our strategy of distinguishing ourselves as the leading global specialist in healthcare."

Further information can be found at www.gfk.com

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