Kantar Group sells Kantar Media to HIG Capital

London-based market research firm and a Bain Capital portfolio company, Kantar Group has announced the proposed sale of Kantar Media to HIG Capital, an investment firm managing $67 billion in capital. Headquartered in Miami, HIG specialises in providing debt and equity capital to mid-market companies worldwide.

Kantar Media operates in over 60 markets and offers solutions for audience measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation.

Kantar Media CEO, Patrick Béhar, who joined Kantar Media from Sky, will continue to lead the business. “This transaction would give us the resources and support to accelerate our growth trajectory and strengthen our position as the global leader in media measurement and analytics. HIG’s expertise in scaling businesses and driving performance will help us deliver innovative, data-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients all over the globe,” Béhar said.

The transaction’s purchase price of approximately $1 billion is anticipated to be paid in a combination of cash and non-cash consideration, including separation-related investments by HIG Capital, and an earn-out.

Nishant Nayyar, managing director at HIG Capital, said, “Kantar Media delivers data insights to the global media industry. Under Patrick’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive and innovate in media measurement and analytics.”

The proposed transaction is expected to be completed later this year, subject to customary legal and regulatory requirements and the completion of information and consultation processes with employee representatives wherever necessary.

While JP Morgan and Jefferies acted as financial advisors to Kantar Group on the contemplated transaction, Morgan Stanley & Co International acted as lead financial advisor and ING acted as financial advisor to HIG Capital on the contemplated transaction.

Chris Jansen, Kantar’s chief executive, said, “We set up Kantar Media to be operationally independent in 2023 to allow it to consolidate its global leadership position in audience measurement. Today’s announcement positions Kantar Media to continue its investments in technological and geographical leadership. Following the proposed sale, Kantar will continue to help brands to grow through IP, data assets, and rapid AI deployment.”