GfK majority owner dismisses sale claims

German magazine WirtschaftsWoche reported last week that GfK’s US rivals Nielsen Holdings and IMS Health, as well as WPP and Kantar, had expressed interest in GfK Verein’s 56.5% share of GfK. 

But a statement on GfK Verein’s website from its president, Hubert Weiler, (pictured) denied that a sale of shares was planned. 

“[...] GfK Verein’s articles of association alone make it clear that selling shares is not an easy process, as the executive board and the members’ council would first have to approve such a proposal. And this is something they will not do,” said Weiler. 

“A new chairman of the supervisory board was elected at the GfK SE yesterday, which gives the leadership body a chance to analyse the company’s situation anew. As a majority shareholder, GfK Verein will maintain its commitment to GfK SE over the long run.

"Verein will do everything possible to ensure that the company returns to its long-term sustainable course of business.”

Ralf Klein-Bölting was elected as the new chairman of the supervisory board of GfK following the resignation of Arno Mahlert. Former CEO Matthias Hartmann’s departure was announced at the same time as Mahlert's.