Private Equity Firm H.I.G. Capital Set to Acquire Kantar Media for a Billion Dollars
In a strategic move to bolster its position in the global media ecosystem, private equity firm H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of Kantar Media, a London-based media measurement and analytics company, from the Kantar Group. The transaction, valued at approximately $1 billion, is expected to close later this year.
Background
Kantar Media, a global player in data and analytics, offers insights into audience behavior, advertising effectiveness, and media consumption through solutions like audience measurement, cross-media analytics, and media validation tools. H.I.G. Capital's acquisition is part of its strategy to build on Kantar Media's foundational role in the industry and its market leadership in advanced AI-powered analytics.
Future Plans
H.I.G. Capital aims to support Kantar Media in its transition to an independent company, leveraging its expertise in scaling businesses and executing corporate carve-outs. Under the leadership of Kantar Media's CEO, Patrick Béhar, the company plans to sharpen its strategic focus, reinforce its independence, and accelerate innovation and growth in media measurement and analytics worldwide.
Leadership and Advisers
Patrick Béhar, with a mission to transform Kantar Media into an agile, technology-centric company, will continue to lead the business. Nishant Nayyar, a managing director at H.I.G. Capital, expressed his excitement about partnering with Béhar and the Kantar Media team.
Morgan Stanley & Co International acted as the lead financial adviser, and ING acted as the financial adviser to H.I.G. Capital. J.P. Morgan and Jefferies acted as financial advisers to Kantar Group on the deal.
Global Footprint and Investment
Currently operating in over 60 markets, Kantar Media aims to consolidate its global leadership position in audience measurement. The company also intends to invest in technological and geographical leadership to further strengthen its market position.
The transaction includes separation-related investments by H.I.G. Capital and an earn-out. The purchase price, primarily paid in cash, will be complemented by certain noncash considerations. H.I.G. Capital, which manages about $67 billion of capital, demonstrates its commitment to growing technology-driven analytics platforms within its portfolio.
Conclusion
The acquisition highlights H.I.G.’s commitment to growing technology-driven analytics platforms within its portfolio, supporting Kantar Media’s role in transforming media measurement and strategic decision-making globally. With its advanced analytics capabilities and global reach, Kantar Media is well-positioned to lead the way in the evolving media landscape.
- With the acquisition by H.I.G. Capital, Kantar Media will leverage advanced AI-powered analytics, aiming to stream content and nextgen TV media more effectively.
- The private equity firm's investment in Kantar Media will give a boost to its business, allowing it to expand in the financial and investing sectors.
- Kantar Media's strategic focus will be sharpened to reinforce its independence and accelerate growth in media measurement and analytics worldwide.
- H.I.G. Capital intends to invest in technological and geographical leadership for Kantar Media, strengthening its position in the global media ecosystem and aiding its dominance in the video streaming market.
