Kantar Media Acquired by H.I.G. Capital
Deal News | Aug 04, 2025 | H.I.G. Europe (HIG)
H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of Kantar Media from the Kantar Group, marking a significant milestone for the media measurement and analytics firm. Kantar Media, headquartered in London, is renowned for its comprehensive solutions in audience behavior, advertising effectiveness, and media consumption analytics. Operating across over 60 markets, Kantar Media will now benefit from H.I.G.'s vast experience in scaling businesses. The acquisition aims to enhance Kantar Media's strategic focus, bolster its position as an independent authority in media measurement, and drive innovation under the leadership of CEO Patrick Bhar. H.I.G. Capital, with $70 billion of capital under management, sees this acquisition as an opportunity to leverage its experience in corporate carve-outs to support Kantar Media's growth and independence. The deal was advised by Morgan Stanley, ING, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Sectors
- Media and Analytics
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Kantar Media is headquartered in London, UK, and plays a pivotal role in the global media measurement and analytics industry from this base.
- United States – H.I.G. Capital is based in Miami, United States, and operates globally with multiple offices across the country.
Industry
- Media and Analytics – Kantar Media operates in the media measurement and analytics industry, providing data-driven insights and solutions for audience behavior, advertising effectiveness, and media consumption patterns.
- Private Equity – H.I.G. Capital is a significant player in the private equity industry, known for its investment in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs across various sectors.
Financials
- $70 billion – The total capital under management by H.I.G. Capital, showcasing its capacity for significant investments.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kantar Media | Target Company | Company | A global leader in media measurement and analytics, headquartered in London, UK. |
| Kantar Group | Selling Company | Company | The previous owner of Kantar Media, involved in market research and media analysis. |
| H.I.G. Capital | Bidding Company | Company | A leading global alternative investment firm managing $70 billion in capital with a strong presence in private equity investments. |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. International | Corporate Finance Advisor | Company | Advised H.I.G. on the acquisition of Kantar Media. |
| ING | Corporate Finance Advisor | Company | Assisted as a financial advisor for H.I.G. in the transaction. |
| Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to H.I.G. for the acquisition. |
| Patrick Bhar | CEO of Kantar Media | Person | Leader of Kantar Media, responsible for its strategic direction and operations. |
| Nishant Nayyar | Managing Director at H.I.G. | Person | Represented H.I.G. Capital and commented on Kantar Media's role in the global media ecosystem. |
| Markus Noe-Nordberg | Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Europe Middle Market Private Equity | Person | Commented on H.I.G.'s investment strategy and involvement with Kantar Media. |