GfK acquires select assets from Context Network

Date:01-23-2013

Effective January 2, 2013, GfK’s Animal and Crop Health division closed on the asset acquisition of the Global Seed Market Database (GSMD) and the Global Seed Sector Outlooks (GSSO) for major global field and vegetable crops from Context Network, LLC. As the needs for business intelligence evolve from tracking crop input markets to monitoring and forecasting emerging crop management solutions, this asset integration enhances GfK market insights in the global seed market, complementing its similar presence in the global crop protection market.

Since 1992, Context Network has been providing business management and strategy consulting services to leading agriculture, biotechnology, biofuels, food companies, government agencies and institutions across the world. As a firm located in West Des Moines, IA, Context has, alongside its consulting activities, supported the seed industry by providing comprehensive multi-client reports that track and forecast commercial biotechnology traits and seed volumes.

The acquisition structure ensures a full commitment from both companies for a seamless transfer of the assets, with Context supporting a number of key aspects of the acquired studies through the transition period of their production. Consequently, clients can expect uninterrupted continuity of the service in 2013, with benefits created from the integration of GfK expertise already being planned for the years to come.

Senior executives from both companies are delighted to have completed this asset acquisition, citing its transfer as a milestone accomplishment. GfK and Context are committed to being the premier providers of market research and insights. This agreement enables both companies to focus on their unique strengths as providers of improved market insights and consulting services, as well as opening doors for closer working relations in the future.