Kantar Group Announces Sale of Kantar Media

Deal News | Jan 18, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Kantar Group

Kantar Group, a prominent global market research company based in London and owned by Bain Capital, has planned the sale of its subsidiary, Kantar Media, to H.I.G. Capital. This proposed transaction, valued at approximately $1 billion, involves primarily cash along with certain non-cash considerations including separation-related investments and an earn-out. Kantar Media, a global leader in media measurement and analytics, is set to embark on an innovative growth trajectory under the ownership of H.I.G. Capital. The acquisition aims to leverage H.I.G.'s expertise to further solidify Kantar Media's leadership in the measurement industry, especially in audience measurement and data analytics. Patrick Béhar, CEO of Kantar Media, will continue to lead the business, supported by his team to advance innovative data-driven solutions. The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.

Sectors

  • Market Research
  • Alternative Investment
  • Media and Advertising

Geography

  • United Kingdom – Kantar Group is based in London, UK, highlighting the geographical relevance.
  • United States – H.I.G. Capital is based in the US, with offices in several major cities, adding a US dimension to the transaction.

Industry

  • Market Research – Kantar Group and Kantar Media primarily operate in the market research sector, providing data, analytics, and insights into consumer behaviors.
  • Alternative Investment – H.I.G. Capital, the buyer of Kantar Media, operates within the alternative investments industry as a significant investment firm.
  • Media and Advertising – Kantar Media's expertise in media measurement and analytics situates it within the media and advertising industry.

Financials

  • $1 billion – Purchase price for Kantar Media by H.I.G. Capital.
  • $67 billion – Total capital under management by H.I.G. Capital.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Kantar GroupSelling CompanyCompanyA leading global market research company based in London and owned by Bain Capital.
Kantar MediaTarget CompanyCompanyA subsidiary of Kantar Group, specializing in media measurement and analytics.
H.I.G. CapitalBidding CompanyCompanyA global alternative investment firm acquiring Kantar Media.
Patrick BéharCEO of Kantar MediaPersonCEO of Kantar Media leading the business post-acquisition.
Nishant NayyarManaging Director at H.I.G CapitalPersonInvolved in the acquisition as a representative of H.I.G Capital.
Chris JansenChief Executive of KantarPersonKantar's Chief Executive commenting on the strategic move.
J.P. MorganFinancial Advisor to Kantar GroupCompanyActed as a financial advisor to Kantar Group for the transaction.
JefferiesFinancial Advisor to Kantar GroupCompanyAlso acted as a financial advisor to Kantar Group.
Morgan Stanley & Co InternationalLead Financial Advisor to H.I.G. CapitalCompanyLead financial advisor to H.I.G. Capital for the acquisition.
INGFinancial Advisor to H.I.G. CapitalCompanyAlso acted as a financial advisor to H.I.G. Capital.