Gartner buys SCM World

The global technology analyst firm acquired SCM World, which has focused on building a forum and network of supply chain officers from the world’s largest companies.    The global technology research and analyst company Gartner on Tuesday said it has acquired SCM World, a 60-person rival analyst and supply chain peer-network firm.
   London-based SCM World was founded to build a forum and network of supply chain officers from the world’s largest companies. The company also provided subscription-based research and held conferences.
   “The SCM World acquisition is consistent with Gartner’s growth strategy to invest in developing world-class products and services that help our supply chain clients make the right decisions, every day,” Gartner CEO Gene Hall said. “The combination of Gartner’s analyst-generated supply chain research and advisory services with SCM World’s industry-leading peer network for chief supply chain officers, user-generated research and conferences aligns closely to the growing demands of clients worldwide.”
   Gartner said its reach and scale complements SCM World’s offerings and will allow it to grow its range of services.
   Gartner intends to fund the acquisition primarily through existing foreign cash balances. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.