Private equity firm H.I.G. Capital set to acquire Kantar Media in a $1 billion deal.
In a significant move that marks a new chapter for Kantar Media, a leading global media measurement and analytics company operating in 60 markets, private equity firm H.I.G. Capital has announced its acquisition of the company for approximately $1 billion. The proposed transaction is expected to close later this year.
Kantar Media, previously part of the Kantar Group, was sold by Bain Capital. Despite the sale, Bain Capital and WPP still hold stakes in the Kantar Group but not specifically in Kantar Media. Bain Capital had purchased a controlling stake in Kantar in 2019 for $3.1 billion.
H.I.G. Capital, known for its expertise in scaling businesses and driving performance, aims to further accelerate Kantar Media's growth trajectory and strengthen its position as the global leader in media measurement and analytics. Nishant Nayyar, managing director at H.I.G Capital, expressed excitement about partnering with Kantar Media's CEO, Patrick Béhar, and his team.
The transaction's purchase price will be primarily paid in cash, along with certain noncash considerations. The deal also includes separation-related investments by H.I.G Capital and an earn-out, as part of its terms.
Kantar Media's portfolio includes audience measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation solutions. Following the sale, the company plans to continue its investments in technological and geographical leadership.
ING acted as financial adviser to H.I.G. Capital in the proposed transaction. J.P. Morgan and Jefferies acted as financial advisers to Kantar Group on the deal.
Under H.I.G. Capital, Kantar Media intends to sharpen its strategic focus, reinforcing its independence in media measurement, and accelerating innovation. Leveraging technologies such as machine learning, the company aims to enhance its measurement capabilities. It also plans to invest in and evolve cutting-edge audience measurement tools that combine device-level data with panel data to produce people-based insights at scale.
Expanding its leadership capabilities, Kantar Media has announced new executive appointments, such as Constance Emmanuelli joining the global executive team in September 2025.
H.I.G. Capital's portfolio includes companies in media analytics and advertising tech, positioning Kantar Media to leverage synergies with firms like Adscape Media and AdTheorent. Overall, the acquisition aims to bolster Kantar Media’s innovation and market leadership in the evolving media measurement landscape while maintaining its independent operational model.
Patrick Béhar will continue to lead Kantar Media following the sale. Morgan Stanley & Co International acted as lead financial adviser to H.I.G. Capital in the proposed transaction. Chris Jansen remains the CEO of Kantar Group.
- Kantar Media, under the ownership of H.I.G. Capital, plans to invest in nextgen TV, aiming to stream better video content and strengthen its position in the media industry.
- The acquisition of Kantar Media by H.I.G. Capital is not only a significant move for the company but also for the finance and investing world, marking an interesting business deal.
- With Constance Emmanuelli joining the global executive team in September 2025, Kantar Media is expanding its leadership capabilities, preparing for the next phase in its growth trajectory.
- Kantar Media, now a part of H.I.G. Capital, intends to reinvest in technological and geographical leadership, focusing on enhancing measurement capabilities using machine learning and evolving audience measurement tools.
