H.I.G. Capital acquires Kantar Media, Kantar's audience and data analytics division

Kantar Group, a company specialized in market research, part of the portfolio of Bain Capital, will sell its division Kantar Media a H.I.G. Capital, a global firm specialized in alternative investment that will invest $1 billion in the operation.

The proposal of acquisition on the part of H.I.G. Capital will mark a new chapter for Kantar Media, which seeks to initiate, in the words of Kantar herself, a phase of “growth and innovation"with a focus"renovated” in offering insights cutting-edge to its clients in the sectors of content and advertising. The company, which operates in more than 60 markets, will continue to operate under the leadership of its CEO Patrick Béhar, who highlighted that the operation “will provide us with the necessary resources and support to further accelerate our growth trajectory and consolidate our position as a global leader in media measurement and analysis.”

It is expected that the purchase price of the operation, of approximately 1 billion dollars, is paid through a combination of cash, certain non-monetary counterparties, including H.I.G. investments. Capital related to the separation, and a earn-out. The purchase is subject to the usual legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the completion of the information and consultation processes with worker representatives. It is expected, in any case, that the proposed transaction will close at the end of this year.

Nishant Nayyar, managing director of H.I.G Capital, celebrates the purchase agreement and anticipates a stage of stability in the company: "We are delighted to partner with Patrick and his talented team. Kantar Media has a long-standing reputation as a provider of essential data and reliable insights for the global media industry. We are confident that, as an independent business under Patrick's direction, the company will continue to thrive and lead innovation in media measurement and analysis."

On the other hand, Chris Jansen, CEO of Kantar Group, adds: "We established Kantar Media to be operationally independent in 2023 to enable it to consolidate its global leadership in audience measurement. Today's announcement of the proposed partnership with H.I.G. Capital positions Kantar Media to continue its investments in technological and geographic leadership, and we wish Patrick and his team the best for the future. Following the proposed sale, Kantar will further focus on helping global and local brands grow through a unique combination of IP, data assets and the rapid implementation of AI. Kantar remains the leading global data analytics and marketing company.”