Gartner Buys Out Aims, Sets Up Beachhead

The $952 million Gartner Inc, the research, advisory and consultancy major, has acquired the Mumbai-based Aims Management Consultants (AMC). Following the acquisition, Gartner has set up Gartner India Research and Advisory Services (GIRAS).

GIRAS will continue to maintain the services of AMC. Sujoy Chohan , managing director of AMC has been appointed as group vice-president and country director of GIRAS. Partha Iyengar, country manager of Gartner India will continue to handle the sales operation of Gartner India.

Bob Hayward, senior vice president, Asia/Pacific & Japan of Gartner Inc said that " The acquisition of AMC and the creation of Gartner India significantly enhances our services for both local and global clients. We have 85 clients in India and we are looking forward to supporting them in a full fledged manner."

"India is the fastest growing information, communication and telecom market and holds tremendous potential. India's information technology sector has become a sophisticated contributor to the global business and technology landscape", Hayward added.

The acquisition was concluded on October 1, 2001 for an undisclosed amount. Gartner and AMC have been working with each other since 1997. Employees of AMC have already been absorbed by Gartner India. The total staff strength currently stands at 17.

Hayward also said that, " There is an interest from global clients to know more about the business process outsourcing from India and the opportunities available out of India. Our investments in India also include launch of new products and services for the Indian market that would help companies use technology to guide and grow their businesses. "

Sujoy Chohan added, "India is a powerful and growing IT marketplace. Gartner's breadth and depth of technology research coverage will be in high demand among the fast-growing technology companies here." Gartner India would be further looking at strengthening its analysts base, Chohan said.

The formation of the new company will also help Gartner increase its regional coverage.

Explaining this Chohan said, " We are extending research into media, retail and Gartner G2 across the Asia-Pacific region from India, including research for the ERP, and telecom infrastructure and services, a new area for research that Gartner India will be introducing is in the area of digital imaging and e-business."