TrendForce, a global market intelligence firm, announced today that it has become the majority shareholder of Topology Research Institute, and has fully acquired operation and management rights. Kevin Lin, the CEO of TrendForce, will also hold the title of Chairman of Topology. Topology’s operations, brand, and managing staff will be under the same business model after the merger.  LEDinside is a research division of TrendForce.

TrendForce acquires Topology Research Institute. (TrendForce)

With this latest acquisition, TrendForce will become Taiwan’s largest private technology. TrendForce’s domestic and international clients in the near future can expect even more comprehensive industry analysis and consultation services.“Market intelligence and intellectual property is a professional field with a bright future in an age dominated by high tech industries, Big Data, and the Internet,” said, Lin, Chairman of Topology and CEO of TrendForce.

Kevin Lin, CEO, TrendForce will also hold the position of Chairman of Topology after the two companies merge. (TrendForce)

“Our ability to have in-depth access to the global high tech supply chain and exert influence is the result of more than a decade of hard work,” Lin continued, “I believe both firms will strengthen each other through this merger.” Founded in 2000, the launch of research division DRAMeXchange built up TrendForce’s position as a globally authoritative DRAM research institute. The company has further expanded its research fields to include Flash, LCD, LED, smartphones, solar energy, and consumer behavior. 

Based in Taiwan, TrendForce has established itself as an internationally recognized brand name endorsed and invested by technology giants and international investment banks. TrendForce’s primary clients are internationally renowned brand names and major enterprises in China, including the triumvirate of the tech world – Apple, Google and Facebook. Other global brand names that TrendForce has served include Intel, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, Huawei, Lenovo, and many more. Global investment firms, such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Mitsubishi UFJ and Credit Suisse, have also been long term clients. TrendForce work has been endorsed and acquired by these international market players. 

TrendForce research sectors are shown in green in this chart and Topology's in orange. Topology's research expertise cover panel, IC design, government, consumer electronics and tablets. (TrendForce)

Topology Research Institute was established in 1996 and has been primarily providing studies on Taiwan and China’s technology industries. With Topology becoming part of TrendForce, a staff of 250 analysts and managing personnel will be diligently covering technology, policy, and supply chain in the Greater China Region and the rest of the world. In addition, to assisting Taiwanese firms setting up in China and devising global strategies, the TrendForce-Topology Alliance will build on TrendForce’s existing overseas client base and act as an investment bridge in the Greater China Region for foreign firms. Both sides of the merger will be able to take advantage of each other’s talents and clientele while creating the market intelligence that the technology industries demand: comprehensive statistical reports, analyses, databases, and other critical services. The mission of TrendForce and Topology is to become the knowledge gateway for companies expanding globally or in China. 

About Kevin Lin, founder and CEO of TrendForce Corp. and Chairman of Topology Research Institute 

Mr. Lin received his B.A. in Computer Science and MBA at National Taiwan University (NTU). Lin is a pioneer in Taiwan’s e-commerce sector, beginning with his founding of NeoCom Technology in 1999. As the founder and CEO, Lin made NeoCom Technology the largest online B2C and C2C platform in Taiwan with uBid.com.tw, a successful shopping and auction website. In 2002, NeoCom Technology was acquired by eBay, which was the largest e-commerce company in the United States at the time. 

In 2000, Lin founded DRAMeXchange, a B2B e-commerce unit, and TrendForce, which under his supervision has become a globally recognized name in tech market research.