Leading Data Synchronization Organizations Merge

GS1 US and GS1 Germany, the two largest member organizations of the GS1 System, have signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture combining their 1SYNC and SA2 Worldsync subsidiaries, respectively, into a new combined organization named 1WorldSync, Inc.

 

The newly created company will be the world’s largest provider of Global Data Synchronization Network services, with a purpose to accelerate the vision for consistent, authentic, high-quality product data to manage industry and consumers’ expectations, according to its CEO Nihat Arkan, formerly the CEO of SA2 Worldsync.

1WorldSync intends to be at the forefront of the sharing of product information beyond the traditional business-to-business model, according to a joint statement made by Jrg Pretzel, CEO of GS1 Germany, and Bob Carpenter, CEO of GS1 US.

Uniting the strengths and complementary visions of both firms, 1WorldSync will continue development and global expansion of solutions for product data management and data synchronization. The company starts with more than 15,000 customers, directly or indirectly, in more than 40 countries. It offers solutions and services across a range of industries, including healthcare, grocery, hardlines, foodservice and consumer packaged goods.

GS1 US and GS1 Germany will provide equal representation to the 1WorldSync Board of Directors, whose voting members are Carpenter, Pretzel, and the following external directors:

·         Otmar Debald, managing director, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH;

·         Erich Harsch, chairman of the board, dm-drogerie markt GmbH;

·         Rodney McMullen, president and chief operating officer, The Kroger Co. in the U.S., and

·         Joe Pleasant, chief information officer of the Premier healthcare alliance in the U.S.

In addition to Arkan, the new company's management team will include Chief Marketing and Administrative Officer Katy Theroux, currently a senior vice president at GS1 US; Chief Information Officer Ulf Adebahr, currently chief operating officer of SA2 Worldsync; Daniel Wilkinson, managing director, Americas; and two regional managing directors yet to be named.

 

Several current customers of 1SYNC and SA2 Worldsync have offered guidance to the companies in support of the joint venture's creation and strategic direction.

1WorldSync will be incorporated in the state of Delaware, with offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The management team will be based in Lawrenceville, N.J., USA, and Cologne, Germany.