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Environmental technologies market research

Identifying keen distributors for a U.S. supplier of systems for SCF
Completion: 2010 - 05
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our client, a manufacturer of instruments and production systems for supercritical fluids, requested assistance with identifying prospective partners in Poland.
Results: The consultant approached 15 pre-selected companies to introduce the client and discuss potential partnership. We arranged meetings with 3 interested & qualified prospects, i.e. Poland's leading distributors of advanced laboratory equipment.
   

Investor from Hong Kong looking to acquire a Czech company
Completion: 2010 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The investor wished to diversify its portfolio through acquiring a Czech company involved in environmental technologies.
Results: Easylink identified and short-listed nearly 30 companies meeting the client's criteria and approached them with a proposal for capital investment. The consultant then arranged meetings with 6 companies whose owners expressed interest in direct talks with the investor. The consultant accompanied the client to all meetings to provide market support and interpret where necessary.
   

Distribution partner search
Completion: 2009 - 11
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Our client, a leading Irish manufacturer of waste bailer equipment, requested assistance in identifying prospective distributors in the Czech Republic.
Results: EasyLink identified 27 potential pro-active distributors in the Czech Republic already carrying waste processing, recycling and general machinery. Their managers were interviewed to assess their capabilities and interest in business negotiation with the client. 5 face-to-face appointments were scheduled for December 2009.
   

Background check of prospective CEE distributors
Completion: 2009 - 06
Target markets: PL&BG&TU
Objective: Prior to signing distribution contracts with partners in Poland, Bulgaria and Turkey, our U.S. client, a provider of weather-driven renewable energy assessment and forecasting for wind, solar and hydro power projects, decided to commission an independent check on the background of the given firms.
Results: Besides calls to relevant market players to check their references, we verified their official registration, searched the press for relevant articles, checked public databases of debtors and collected all publicly available financial data. We also contacted the companies directly to complete the check.
   

Mini-industry sector analysis: Renewable resources in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Completion: 2009 - 06
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was asked to prepare mini industry sector analyses to inform U.S. companies of the latest developments in the renewable resources sector.
Results: Our reports addressed issues such as legal framework, availability of renewable resources, prospective subsectors and government support programs as well as listed sources of additional information.
   

U.S. provider of smart grid solutions exploring opportunities in Central Europe
Completion: 2009 - 05
Target markets:
Objective: Our client was looking to expand its activities in Central Europe and wished to directly approach potential customers and other decision makers in the Czech Republic and Poland.
Results: EasyLink's consultants approached pre-selected companies and institutions to introduce the client and its smart grid technologies and to discuss partnership opportunities. In the Czech Republic, the client held 7 face-to-face meetings with the Czech transmission grid operator, the largest power company in Central Europe, two power distributors as well as officials from the Energy Regulatory Office, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Industry and Trade, while in Poland he met with representatives of a power plant and the Polish Chamber of Power Industry and Environment Protection.
   

U.K. producer of leak detection systems for water utilities seeking a local partner
Completion: 2008 - 07
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was requested to identify local partners and schedule meetings with qualified companies with confirmed interest in representing the client in the Czech Republic.
Results: A total of 21 pre-selected potential partners were approached and evaluated by the consultant. Three meetings were scheduled based on mutually confirmed interest.
   

U.S. producer of portable water testing kits appoints distributors in the Czech Republic and Hungary
Completion: 2008 - 06
Target markets: CZ&HU
Objective: EasyLink's task was to identify and prepare meetings with qualified business partners interested in representing the company in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Results: We conducted market research into companies involved in distribution of water treatment chemicals, technologies, and equipment for various industries. In the Czech Republic alone, over 50 entities were initially screened and a total of 32 companies were approached and further evaluated to determine whether they constitute potential partners. Meetings with 12 companies were scheduled for both countries. EasyLink's consultants in the Czech Republic and Hungary accompanied the client's two-member team to all the meetings in June 2008 to provide interpretation and in-market support. In August 2008, the client offered contracts to its top choices in Hungary and the Czech Republic (for distribution in the Czech Republic and Slovakia), and both firms accepted the terms and conditions! The client thanked EasyLink "for the opportunity to make this happen; it was very difficult to make our selection, but we are excited about the possibilities that will be open to us through our partners." Their good sales in Central Europe then helped the client offset declines in sales to other markets!
   

U.S. client looking for distributors on the Romanian recycling market
Completion: 2008 - 05
Target markets: RO
Objective: As part of the client's strategic development program in Europe the company requested assistance to identify potential pro-active distributors in Romania - active in the recycling market, keen to extend their portfolio and possessing strong technical knowledge and background with ability to find, or already have, technical staff and skilled craftsmen to install and service client's equipment sold in Romania.
Results: The consultant targeted companies meeting the client's requirements; 14 pre-selected companies were approached and their qualification and interest in proposed partnership evaluated. 5 companies confirmed their interest in further talks.
   

Traditional Czech manufacturer of equipment for agriculture and wastewater treatment plants seeking a partner in Romania
Completion: 2007 - 11
Target markets: RO
Objective: To identify potential distributors for the client's submersible pumps and mixers amongst companies that install such systems in wastewater treatment plants and agriculture facilities as well as distributors for the client's lift motors and 3-phase asynchronous motors
Results: EasyLink identified 16 distributors based on the client's specifications and introduced the Czech company and its products to them. Six companies expressed interest in face-to-face discussions. The client travelled to Romania for a 2-day visit, and EasyLink prepared a detailed itinerary for the trip.
   

Geothermal energy in Slovakia
Completion: 2007 - 10
Target markets: SK
Objective: We were asked to prepare a structured report about the potential, sources and use of geothermal energy in Slovakia.
Results: Our client received a comprehensive report, which addressed its national resources, existing and planned projects and technology and use in Slovakia. We also described all financial sources available (EU structural funds, grants, state budget and bank loans) pertaining to geothermal energy and discussed relevant laws and regulations. The report was heavily based on interviews with experts from various state institutions and private companies.
   

Leading CEE engineering company seeking partners in the Netherlands
Completion: 2007 - 10
Target markets: NL
Objective: Our client is involved in the design, development and production of wastewater treatment technologies. Our task was to identify prospective agents and distribution partners to supply the Dutch market, or alternatively large specialized building contractors as direct end-buyers as well as major Dutch OEM producers of wastewater treatment plants, light liquid (oil) separators and similar equipment where the company could supply its subsystems and components.
Results: Easylink identified and contacted 28 potential business partners in the Netherlands meeting the client's specifications and arranged meetings with four companies ready to meet the client.
   

British consultancy involved in used car recycling targets Romania
Completion: 2007 - 09
Target markets: RO
Objective: The company is involved in the collection, storage and disposal of unwanted vehicles, mainly cars. Its management is aware that new EU accession markets such as Romania will receive substantial Objective 1 funds to help them comply with European Environmental legislation, and wishes to exploit the opportunity by forming a business cooperation with a local environmental consultancy that may lack expertise in the field of "end of life" vehicle disposal and other waste management issues. A longer-term aim may be the establishment of a joint venture to set up a vehicle disposal operation in the market, if this first initiative is successful.
Results: EasyLink's consultant in Romania initially gathered a list of 20 companies active in the field of consultancy for waste management or for other environmental issues and standards and 6 companies that dismantle cars and were asked by the Ministry of Environment for inputs in the process of legislation development in their sector. The companies were then interviewed to assess the general market situation as well as inquire about their interest in collaborating with our U.K. client. Meetings were arranged with 5 companies; two firms were particularly important and influential players.
   

U.K. specialist in mineral, chemical and waste processing seeks agents in Ukraine
Completion: 2007 - 09
Target markets: UA
Objective: The company wished to find an agent, working on a commission basis, to identify local parties that would need to come together in a company or organisation to exploit client's technology. It is critical for any project to succeed to identify a company or individual that either owns the resource (land that the pond or slurry impound created and left by coal mining activities is on), so the agent needed to be in a position to identify and introduce the client to those people.
Results: EasyLink's consultant in Ukraine conducted research into companies involved in the coal mining industry and identified and approached 14 potential partners. The client was provided with detailed profiles of qualified prospects ready to discuss partnership opportunities.
   

Irish producer of bio-ethanol seeks assistance in understanding and entering the Czech and Slovak markets
Completion: 2007 - 06
Target markets: CZ&SK
Objective: Our client requested customized research focused on identifying key potential customers in three selected target groups as well as analysing the legislative framework and competitive landscape in the production and use of bio-fuels in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Results: The final reports presented a detailed analysis of previous and current legal framework of bio fuels use in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as information on local production of rapeseed and bio elements together with profiles of key producers. EasyLink also identified over 80 major potential customers within oil refineries, oil distribution companies and large transportation companies in the two countries.
   

Partner search project in Russia
Completion: 2006 - 07
Target markets: RU
Objective: A U.K. producer of borehole inspection cameras and borehole geophysical logging systems, including loggers and winches, wanted to identify a well-connected partner in Russia who could work as an agent and represent the client in the market.
Results: During the research into entities involved in borehole logging, groundwater or mining exploration, water utilities and water resources monitoring and control, the consultant short-listed 11 prospects for an interview regarding their qualification and interest in partnering up with the client. We prepared detailed profiles of 5 qualified candidates ready to discuss terms and requirements of proposed partnership.
   

Manufacturer of equipment for sludge management, remediation and water treatment technologies targets Poland
Completion: 2005 - 12
Target markets: PL
Objective: EasyLink was requested to carry out a market research project to help the client decide on the next steps and route to market options for the Polish market.
Results: The consultant prepared an overview of the oil industry in Poland. In addition to desk research, the consultant conducted 10 telephone interviews with experts, e.g. tank maintenance companies and maintenance engineers in selected oil companies, to get specific feedback from the market on the points of interest (e.g. volume and value of the oil industry in Poland, refineries and oil storage facilities, key tank cleaning contractors and maintenance companies, tank cleaning methods used and recommended route to market).
   

Czech company participates in a trade mission to target prospective partners
Completion: 2005 - 10
Target markets: BG
Objective: EasyLink's task was to prepare an in-market visit for a Czech producer of waste water treatment equipment such as self-cleaning screens, hand skimmed screens, skimmed cylinder strainers and grit separators etc. to Varna, Bulgaria. The company was seeking partners amongst design companies and suppliers of waste water treatment technologies.
Results: The 2-day program included not only targeted one-to-one meetings with prospective partners, but also country briefing and presentation and lectures by government and regional officials.
   

EasyLink runs another partner search project for a U.K. supplier of water analysis test kits, now in Hungary
Completion: 2005 - 10
Target markets: HU
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned by a custom manufacturer of portable water analysis test kits for use in all areas where water quality needs to be monitored to identify a distributor in Hungary which can obtain business from the local market rather than from multi-national companies.
Results: The consultant screened over 30 companies, associations and specialists in the field of water analysis and laboratory equipment distribution, and pre-selected 15 prospective targets. The client was provided detailed profiles of 4 qualified and interested candidates. Our positive findings led the client to immediately make an in-market visit to meet the recommended companies, and EasyLink was commissioned to schedule meetings and provide translation/accompaniment services during the trip to Hungary.
   

In-depth study: Czech waste water treatment and waste processing sector
Completion: 2005 - 07
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The primary aim of this research project was to provide better insight into the current status of the Czech environmental sector with special emphasis on waste water treatment and waste processing.
Results: Our final close to 40-page report addressed the key related government organizations and funding, water and waste management as well as air and soil protection programs.
   

Waste recycling and management specialist participates in the Trade Council of Iceland-led mission to find partners
Completion: 2005 - 04
Target markets: CZ+SK
Objective: Our client specializes in the collection and handling of hazardous waste generated in Iceland and offers economical solutions for the professional and secure handling of materials, classified as environmentally undesirable or hazardous. The company is experienced in deposit systems for one way beverage containers, and the collection, recycling and marketing of PET and aluminium materials, paper and cardboard materials, refrigerating equipment, electronic waste and fishing nets. The client's goal was to see if their knowledge and expertise can be put to good use in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as to find potential partners to build a system for collection and handling, container services, trucking, disposal/recycling/re-use of waste that requires special treatment, or assist present activities to improve their business.
Results: Several hundreds of companies are involved in waste processing in the Czech and Slovak markets, and thus identifying the major players was based on EasyLink consultants' existing knowledge of the market, complemented and updated through a series of telephone contacts with selected companies and database research. Our initial list of potential partners included over 50 companies; after further screening and consideration, the list was narrowed down further. We then interviewed relevant managers to verify their qualification for and interest in meeting the client. All contacted companies were provided with a brief description in local languages, and advised about client's requirements and expectations for potential partners. The final itineraries prepared for the client included a total of 9 meetings in the Czech Republic and 7 in Slovakia; appointments were scheduled with private businesses, government officials as well as representatives of the Environmental Department of the Prague City Council and Municipal Office of the Capital City of Bratislava to provide the client with useful general overview of the waste management sector in the two countries.
   

Geothermal energy specialist visits Slovakia
Completion: 2005 - 04
Target markets: CZ+SK
Objective: An Icelandic company involved in application of geothermal energy requested EasyLink to schedule meetings with investors, companies, municipalities and power companies interested in utilising indigenous geothermal resources for district heating, electric power production, health institutions and spas, swimming pools, greenhouses and other green energy projects. The client participated in the mission led by the Trade Council of Iceland to Slovakia.
Results: To map the market, EasyLink's consultant in Slovakia interviewed leading figures in the sector of geothermal energy. In Slovakia geothermal energy constitutes considerable geopotential (especially in the South-western and Eastern parts of the country) and yet, it has been little exploited to date (26 potential areas selected for the acquisition and utilization of geothermal energy; water temperature of these sources varies between 75 and 95 degrees Centigrade). Among other experts, the consultant approached the former Minister of Construction and Regional Development who had previously worked on several geothermal projects and has contacts to Mayors of cities with geothermal potential and professors at the University in Kosice - Department of oil engineering. The pre-selected and recommended prospects were contacted by telephone for a brief conversation about the possibility of establishing mutual cooperation with the client. Meetings were scheduled with mayors of four towns, a geothermal energy specialist, a technology company, and an operator of a health resort in a village in Southern Slovakia.
   

U.K. supplier of combined heat and power generation sets seeks a local partner
Completion: 2005 - 02
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our client would like to work with an existing agent or distributor of generators in Poland. While the U.K. company would undertake commissioning and installation themselves, they would expect the local agent to have a servicing and support capability. EasyLink was commissioned to conduct a partner search project as well as provide market information.
Results: In the course of this project, the consultant contacted 15 companies, most of them already representing foreign companies of interest to the client. During the contact and evaluation phase, 6 companies confirmed interest in further talks about potential co-operation with the client.
   

A series of distribution partner search projects carried out for this U.K. client kicks off in Poland
Completion: 2005 - 01
Target markets: PL
Objective: A U.K. custom manufacturer of portable water analysis test kits for use in all areas where water quality needs to be monitored requested EasyLink to identify a distributor in Poland which can obtain business from the local market rather than from multi-national companies.
Results: The consultant pre-selected and contacted 15 companies and provided them with detailed information on the client's products. 6 companies expressed interest in further talks regarding potential co-operation; the client was provided with their detailed profiles.
   

Follow up project - arranging meetings in 3 CEE countries on 3 consecutive days
Completion: 2005 -
Target markets: CZ-SK-HU
Objective: As a part of follow-up work for this client (involved in metal, paper and electronic scrap recycling) EasyLink was asked to schedule meetings in three selected countries to be visited during a short trip to the CEE region.
Results: EasyLink prepared a detailed meeting itinerary, which included 11 meetings scheduled over three consecutive days with pre-selected companies in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
   

Identifying and profiling prospective partners
Completion: 2005 -
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Our client, one of the largest multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancies in Europe employing in excess of 900 professional and technical personnel in a dozen offices, was interested in setting up lasting relationships with engineering design companies in the Czech Republic which have experience in infrastructure design and environmental engineering. EasyLink was requested to identify and profile relevant prospective partners.
Results: After carrying thorough market research the consultant pre-selected a total of 23 prospective partners and provided the client with detailed profiles including information on their activities, ownership structure and financials.
   

Russia: U.K. manufacturer targets prospective distribution partners
Completion: 2005 -
Target markets: RU
Objective: A leading manufacturer of innovative products for environmental monitoring, quality control and research, with customers from the industrial, healthcare and life sciences markets commissioned EasyLink to identify a suitable partner based in Moscow but ideally with branch offices to cover the entire country.
Results: During the research phase the consultant pre-selected 27 companies that supply materials and equipment for chemical and medical laboratories as well as food-processing; all located in Moscow or the Moscow area. After detailed evaluation and interviewing, we identified 5 companies ready to meet the client and discuss opportunities to become distributors.
   

#3 project for an Irish waste water treatment technology specialist: Follow up visit preparation and accompaniment
Completion: 2004 - 02
Target markets: CZ + SK
Objective: EasyLink's task was to schedule follow up appointments with 4 pre-selected joint venture partners.
Results: EasyLink prepared a detailed itinerary for the client's follow up visit with 1 Slovak and 3 Czech prospective joint venture partners. Again, EasyLink provided accompaniment and market support and advisement services. In the end, the client concluded 2 joint venture projects - one in each country.
   

Partner identification projects in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Completion: 2004 - 01
Target markets: CZ&SK
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to identify Czech and Slovak partners and end-customers and relevant organisations for a U.K. supplier of complete portfolio of products, equipment and energy systems for the renewable energy industry.
Results: In both countries, the consultant identified and approached relevant ministries, associations, small hydropower plant operators as well as project and engineering companies in the hydropower sector to evaluate their interest in meeting the client.
   

Market study: Recovered paper, ferrous and non-ferrous scrap and electronic scrap
Completion: 2004 -
Target markets: CZ-SK-HU
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to prepare a detailed study of the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian paper and scrap market.
Results: The consulting team prepared three separate reports (each approximately 20 pages in length), which provided hard data and analytical information on market size and structure as well as detailed profiles of key players.
   

Market study: Water maintenance technologies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Completion: 2004 -
Target markets: CZ+SK
Objective: EasyLink's task was to carry out in-depth study of the Czech and Slovak markets of modules for reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration.
Results: The final report, almost 100-pages in length, incorporated findings obtained by the Czech and Slovak consultants on issues such as market structure, competitive analysis, business opportunities in the two countries and identified industrial end users by sector.
   

#2 project for an Irish waste water treatment technology specialist: Matchmaking project to identify JV partners
Completion: 2003 - 12
Target markets: CZ + SK
Objective: After studying the research project report previously prepared by EasyLink, which pointed out market potential as well as funding opportunities exist in the Czech Republic for waste water treatment technologies, the client proceeded with another request for EasyLink's assistance, this time for a matchmaking project to identify and meet prospective joint venture partners in both countries.
Results: We analysed the Czech and Slovak construction markets and pre-selected potential JV partners, primarily for medium-size to larger projects in the water and wastewater sectors. In line with the general criteria provided by the client, and using additional criteria defined by our team, we identified about 15 companies in each country for further screening and direct contact. Out of 10 Czech and 8 Slovak companies that confirmed interest in meeting the client, we selected/recommended the 5 most qualified prospects in each country. EasyLink then prepared a detailed itinerary for client's 5-day visit to meet a total of 12 Czech and Slovak entities selected after discussion with the client. The client was accompanied to all the meetings by EasyLink's consultant. After the visit we assisted the client with obtaining annual reports of selected companies and preparation of Memorandum of Understanding in two-languages.
   

First step in a series of projects for an Irish specialist in waste water treatment technology
Completion: 2003 - 09
Target markets: CZ + SK
Objective: This was the first project undertaken for this client over a period of 2 years during which we took the client through the entire market entry process starting with market potential evaluation all the way to signing a joint venture agreement. The task of this particular research project was to establish details on EU funded (ISPA, Cohesion or Structural) Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Projects planned for both the Czech and Slovak Republics and provide details of the current market situation.
Results: EasyLink consultants prepared detailed close to 20-page reports for their respective countries that contained information on current drinking water supply and waste water sources, required investment and sources of financing (state and EU funding). Our resources included information published by the government, e.g. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, fund-distributing agencies (e.g. State Environmental Fund) as well as personal interviews with relevant Ministry of Environment officials. When the reports were being prepared, the situation in terms of funding available from EU programs was somewhat "complicated" due to upcoming accession of the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the EU, and thus the "old" programs, including ISPA, Sapard, and Phare were being gradually reduced, while funding from structural and cohesion funds was to only become available.
   

#4 project for an Irish waste water treatment technology specialist: Arranging the third in-market visit
Completion: 2003 - 03
Target markets: CZ + SK
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to also prepare the third in-market visit for the client and provide translation and accompaniment.
Results: We again prepared a detailed meeting itinerary including hotel and car rental arrangements and accompanied the client to provide interpretation and in-market support.
   

EasyLink screens prospective partners for a U.K. client
Completion: 2000 - 10
Target markets: CZ
Objective: A major British designer, manufacturer and contract operator of slimehole logging systems wants EasyLink to find potential partners to promote their products and on-site contracting services in the Czech Republic. Ideally partners should be drilling contractors or geophysical consultancies with strong contracts in the civil engineering industry and possibly water supply and mining sectors.
Results: EasyLink consultant pre-selected and interviewed potential partners to identify qualified targets with confirmed interest in direct talks with the client.
   


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Environmental technologies market research in Central & Eastern Europe
Would you like to understand and estimate the market potential for environmental products and green technologies in the CEE region? EasyLink provides professional expertise in strategic market research, market intelligence, competitive intelligence, market size analysis and market potential evaluation, competitive landscape and distribution structure study, identification of new customers and potential partners etc. Please contact us to discuss how we can assist your business objectives in export, marketing or sourcing.


Customer Search & Partner Search in Central & Eastern Europe
Are you seeking environmental technology distributors, agents or buyers in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia? We are experienced experts in search, identification, screening and pre-selection of business partners in Central & Eastern Europe, ranging from distributor search to profiling of prospective customers and identifying specific business opportunities; we assist our clients with sourcing in emerging markets and low-cost markets in the CEE region.