The GfK Group expands its HealthCare activities in the USA / Acquisition of majority shareholding in US pharma market research specialists V2

Nuremberg, Germany (OTS) - With effect from 31 July 2003, the GfK
Group will acquire a stake of 51 per cent in pharma market research
specialists V2 in Pennsylvania, USA. This acquisition grants GfK
access to the most important market for information services relating
to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical diagnostics. V2, which
was founded by Dr. Richard B. Vanderveer in 1994, offers research
services and strategic consulting for the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology markets as well as medical diagnostics. V2's client
base includes a whole host of leading global healthcare companies,
such as Pfizer, Novartis, Aventis, Allergan and GlaxoSmithKline. The
services comprise qualitative and quantitative ad hoc research and
analyses relating to healthcare as well as advisory services and
support with regard to strategic sales and marketing.

With a staff complement of 59 full-time employees, the company
generated sales of approx. USD 24.7 million in 2002. At an exchange
rate of EUR 1.15, this would amount to EUR 21.4 million. In the USA,
V2 is the largest independent specialist ad hoc market researcher for
the pharmaceutical industry. According to the latest ranking of the
Top 50 US market research companies compiled by Jack Honomichl of
Inside Research, V2 ranks in thirtieth place. V2 will be consolidated
in GfK's group statement from 1 July on.

By acquiring a majority stake in V2, the GfK Group has taken a
decisive step towards creating a fifth division - HealthCare. GfK
forecasts sales of around EUR 50 million in this segment in 2003. In
the past two years, the GfK Group has already invested heavily in
expanding the HealthCare segment. The GfK HealthCare network includes
acquisitions in Germany, Switzerland, UK and USA and a minority
shareholding in France.

Further information: http://www.gfk.com

ots Original Text Service: GfK Group

Rückfragehinweis:
mailto:ulrike.schoeneberg@gfk.de
phone +49(0)9113952645

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