GfK Launches JV in Japan and Buys in Peru

GfK has expanded its custom research network with the launch of a joint venture in Japan and the acquisition of a majority stake of Conecta Asociados S.A.C. in Peru.

In Tokyo, GfK has today transferred its business in the Custom Research sector to a separate company known as GfK Custom Research Japan. The venture employs 21 staff and is led by Managing Director Kyoichi Hirano.

GfK holds a 66% stake in the operation. Other partners are NTT Data Corporation and the market research agency NTT DATA SMIS, which will provide the JV with access to its field resources, including its online panel in Japan comprising 4.5 million people.

In Latin America, GfK has acquired a 51% share of Conecta Asociados S.A.C., which will now trade as GfK-Conecta S.A.C. and offer both consumer and opinion research to clients in the FMCG, IT/telecoms, media and finance sectors.

The Lima-based firm, which was founded in 2003, has 60 staff and is led by Managing Director Herman Chaparro. Last year, it generated sales of EUR 1.5m.

Web sites: www.gfk.com , www.nttdata.co.jp , www.smis.co.jp and www.conectaasociados.com .