Market research company Kantar Group has announced the proposed sale of Kantar Media to H.I.G. Capital, an alternative investment firm with US$67bn of capital under management. Kantar Group is based in London and is a portfolio company of Bain Capital.
The proposed acquisition by H.I.G. Capital comes at a pivotal moment for Kantar Media. The company, which operates in over 60 markets, offers a broad portfolio of solutions that spans audience measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation. Kantar Media CEO Patrick Béhar will continue to lead the business.
Commenting on the sale, Béhar said: “Over a year ago, I joined Kantar Media from Sky to accelerate the transformation of Kantar Media into an agile, technology-centric company, shaping the measurement industry through advanced cross-media solutions. This transaction would give us the resources and support to further accelerate our growth trajectory and strengthen our position as the global leader in media measurement and analytics. With H.I.G.’s expertise in scaling businesses and driving performance, we are more confident than ever in our ability to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of our growing client base all over the globe. Today is a fantastic moment for Kantar Media, its teams, partners and customers as we embark with H.I.G onto the next stage of our transformation.”
Nishant Nayyar, Managing Director at H.I.G Capital, added: “We are excited to partner with Patrick and his talented team. Kantar Media has a long-standing reputation for delivering essential data and trusted insights to the global media industry. We are confident that as an independent business under the leadership of Patrick, the company will continue to thrive and lead the way in media measurement and analytics innovation.”
Chris Jansen, Kantar’s Chief Executive, added: “We set up Kantar Media to be operationally independent in 2023 to consolidate its global leadership position in audience measurement. Today’s proposed partnership announcement with H.I.G. Capital positions Kantar Media to continue its investments in technological and geographical leadership, and we wish Patrick and his team the best in the future. Following the proposed sale, Kantar will be even more focused on helping global and local brands grow through a unique combination of IP and data assets and increasing the rapid deployment of AI. Kantar remains the world’s leading data and marketing analytics company.”
The transaction’s purchase price of approximately $1 billion is anticipated to be primarily paid in cash, along with certain non-cash considerations, including separation-related investments by H.I.G. Capital and an earn-out.
Subject to customary legal and regulatory requirements and the completion of information and consultation processes with employee representatives where necessary, the proposed transaction is expected to close later this year.
