(AgPR)– dmrkynetec, the global leader in market research for the crop protection, biotechnology and animal health industries, announced today it will operate as GfK Kynetec following the company’s acquisition by the GfK Group, the world’s fourth-largest market research organization. The company had been partially owned by GfK since July 2008.
For more than 50 years, dmrkynetec and its legacy companies, Doane Market Research and Kynetec Limited, which were merged in 2007, have provided both syndicated and custom research to the world’s top manufacturers in agricultural and animal health. The company’s staff of 150 has worked internationally for decades, providing custom research services and a number of gold standard syndicated annual research studies throughout major markets in the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific.
Now, as a full member of the GfK global network of more than 10,000 employees operating across 115 locations, GfK Kynetec will be able to significantly expand its global presence. GfK Kynetec’s agricultural and animal health clients will also benefit from the company’s ability to tap the expertise and experience of thousands of GfK market research executives as well as share in best practices and innovative research methodologies from GfK’s long-standing leadership in such diverse sectors as media, retail, finance, health care and automotive.
“Becoming part of a large global research organization was a natural evolution in our company’s growth strategy, and GfK was an obvious and complementary partner for our organization,” said Stephen Hearn, chief executive officer of GfK Kynetec and a founder of dmrkynetec. “With GfK's 75-year history as a pure market research organization, plus a consistent and impressive track record of global growth, innovation and financial success, it is obvious that GfK shares our passion and commitment to market research.”
“dmrkynetec has always prided itself on its ability to provide clients with world-class service and in-depth market knowledge in the areas of agricultural and animal health. Now operating as GfK Kynetec, our firm’s reputation for excellence will only be enhanced by the opportunity to leverage for our clients greater access to the global markets that matter. We are excited to begin collaborating with our GfK colleagues around the world to provide additional client support using the best, most innovative research tools and methodologies that have proven success in other industries,” said Mr. Hearn.
GfK Kynetec will maintain its worldwide staff and headquarters in Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom, as well as its significant operations in St. Louis, Missouri, United States; existing offices throughout Europe; and those in the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, the company’s executive leadership will maintain its current roles in the newly named organization: Stephen Hearn, chief executive officer; Jonathan Crowe, director, Asia; Dr. Antony Goulds, director, European Information Products; Carol Willey, director, European ad hoc; and Brian Hagan, executive vice president, USA.
About GfK Kynetec
GfK Kynetec (www.gfk-kynetec.com) is the leading global provider of innovative market research and consulting services specializing in crop protection, biotechnology and animal health. The company has offices across North America, Europe and Asia. A full-service, full-spectrum market research company, GfK Kynetec’s extensive experience includes long-standing relationships with the largest global companies in the agricultural input supply industry.
About the GfK Group
The GfK Group (www.gfk.com) offers the fundamental knowledge that industry, retailers, services companies and the media need to make market decisions. The group provides a comprehensive range of information and consultancy services in the three business sectors of custom research, retail and technology and media. The No. 4 market research organization worldwide operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 10,000. In 2008, the GfK Group’s sales totaled EUR 1.2 billion.
News Source : AgPR