Kantar Group, a global leader in market research, has revealed that it will sell its media division, Kantar Media, to H.I.G. Capital, a prominent alternative investment firm. The proposed deal, valued at $1 billion, marks an exciting new chapter for Kantar Media, setting the stage for future growth and innovation in the media measurement and analytics sector.
The transaction will allow Kantar Media to focus even more on providing cutting-edge insights to clients in the advertising and content industries. H.I.G. Capital, known for its expertise in scaling businesses, will support Kantar Media’s transformation and growth as an independent entity.
Acquisition Means for Kantar Media
The proposed acquisition by H.I.G. Capital comes at a pivotal moment for Kantar Media, a company that operates in over 60 markets worldwide. Kantar Media has a strong reputation for delivering critical data and insights to the global media industry. With H.I.G. Capital’s support, the company aims to accelerate its growth trajectory and strengthen its position as a leader in media measurement and analytics.
Patrick Béhar, the CEO of Kantar Media, will continue to lead the business after the acquisition. He shared his thoughts on the transaction, stating, “This deal gives us the resources and support to further accelerate our growth and solidify our leadership in the global media measurement industry. With H.I.G.’s expertise, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients worldwide.”
H.I.G. Capital Role in Acquisition
H.I.G. Capital, with $67 billion in assets under management, is known for its hands-on approach to business growth. Nishant Nayyar, Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital, expressed his excitement about the acquisition: “We are thrilled to partner with Patrick and his talented team at Kantar Media. The company has a long-standing reputation for delivering essential data and insights to the global media industry, and we are confident it will continue to lead the way in innovation.”
The deal positions Kantar Media for continued success as it embarks on a new phase of growth. The company is expected to expand its investments in technology and global leadership in media measurement, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.
Strategic Shift After the Sale
Following the proposed sale of Kantar Media, Kantar Group will continue to focus on helping global and local brands grow through its combination of data assets and innovative marketing analytics. Chris Jansen, CEO of Kantar, commented on the strategic shift: “We set up Kantar Media to be operationally independent in 2023 to help it consolidate its leadership position in audience measurement. The proposed sale will allow Kantar to focus even more on its data and marketing analytics services, including the rapid deployment of AI.”
Kantar remains the world’s leading data and marketing analytics company, and this move will allow the company to sharpen its focus on its core business.
Details of the $1 Billion Deal
The acquisition deal is valued at approximately $1 billion and is expected to be primarily paid in cash, with additional non-cash consideration, including investments related to separation costs and an earn-out. The transaction is subject to customary legal and regulatory approvals, and it is anticipated to close later this year.
J.P. Morgan and Jefferies are acting as financial advisors to Kantar Group on the proposed transaction, while Morgan Stanley and ING are advising H.I.G. Capital.
Acquisition Impact on Media Industry
The acquisition of Kantar Media by H.I.G. Capital represents a significant development in the media measurement and analytics sector. Kantar Media’s strong reputation for delivering reliable data and insights has made it an essential player in the media industry. With the support of H.I.G. Capital, the company is expected to expand its offerings and enhance its capabilities in audience measurement, data analytics, and media planning.
The deal also highlights the growing importance of data-driven solutions in the media industry. As the demand for more accurate and comprehensive insights continues to rise, companies like Kantar Media are well-positioned to meet the needs of advertisers, content creators, and other industry stakeholders.
The proposed sale of the media brand to H.I.G. Capital marks an exciting new chapter for the company and the broader media industry. With the backing of H.I.G. Capital, Kantar Media is poised to continue its growth and innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions to clients around the world.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Kantar Media’s focus on technology-driven insights and audience measurement will ensure that it remains a leader in the field. The acquisition also signals a shift for Kantar Group, which will continue to focus on its core strengths in data and marketing analytics.
