Annual Report 2008
Assessing risks and opportunities: overall view
Despite the downturn in the macro-economy, the risks of GfK are limited and should not materially affect the net assets, financial position or result of operations of the Group. An overall assessment of the risk position of GfK also shows that no lasting threat to business development is to be expected as a result of individual risks or the interaction or accumulation of risks.
Potential opportunities for the GfK Group have been identified, particularly in relation to the further expansion of its global network and the availability of an innovative product portfolio incorporating state-of-the-art technology which responds optimally to client needs. The core competence of reliable and high quality consulting opens up further opportunities to position the company in the market, particularly in the current difficult economic environment. The Group has also defined its future opportunities in the strategic 5 Star Initiative program launched in October 2005. The aims and objectives of this program continue to form the basis for the future activities of GfK.
The following table provides an overview of the key points relating to the risks and opportunities for the GfK Group:
To summarize, it can be concluded that the overall risk position of the GfK Group continues to be assessed as low. No risks have currently been identified which might jeopardize the continued existence of the GfK Group.
