GfK takes majority stake in Chart-Track UK

by Louisa Barnett Brand Republic 08-Jul-08, 10:20

LONDON - GfK has acquired a majority share in the market research company Chart-Track, which tracks retail information for games software in the UK.

GfK has acquired a further 46% of shares, in addition to the 9% of shares it already held in the company.

Set up in 1996, London-based Chart-Track carry out sales research for games software, music and videos in the UK, Ireland and Denmark.

The company complements GfK's existing European entertainment business and their investment steps up their interest in the retail and technology entertainment sector.

Chart-Track has a strong relationship with the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publisher Association and the Irish Recorded Music Association, who together still own 45% of the shares in the company.

John Pinder, managing director of Chart-Track, said: "We are delighted to be joining the GfK Group. We're confident this will provide us with a solid platform for future growth and we look forward to further developing our range of services.

"Most importantly, the ability to plug into GfK 's strong international network will be a terrific benefit to our clients."

The market research company will now trade as GfK Chart-Track.