Private equity firm H.I.G. Capital set to acquire Kantar Media in a billion-dollar deal.
In a significant move, private equity firm H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of Kantar Media from Bain Capital's Kantar Group for approximately $1 billion. Based in London and operating in over 60 countries, Kantar Media is a leading global player in audience measurement, cross-media analytics, and media validation tools.
Background and Transaction Details:
Kantar Media was previously part of the larger Kantar Group. H.I.G. Capital, which manages around $70 billion in assets, saw strong potential in Kantar Media's scalable, data-driven business model. The acquisition, formally completed in early August 2025, was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. International, ING, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Future Plans and Strategic Outlook:
Under H.I.G. Capital, Kantar Media is expected to become a fiercely independent entity with a sharpened strategic focus. The emphasis will be on accelerating innovation in media measurement, advancing data solutions, and reinforcing Kantar Media’s position as an authoritative media analytics provider globally. H.I.G. plans to leverage its expertise in scaling businesses and corporate carve-outs to support Kantar Media's transition to independence and growth.
Role of CEO Patrick Béhar:
Patrick Béhar, CEO of Kantar Media, has expressed enthusiasm about joining the H.I.G. family and leading the company through this new chapter. He highlighted the focus on strengthening Kantar Media's independence, strategic clarity, and innovation acceleration. Béhar’s leadership is seen as pivotal to positioning Kantar Media to thrive as an independent company under the new ownership.
Key Highlights:
- Kantar Media aims to consolidate its global leadership position in audience measurement.
- The transaction aims to make Kantar Media an independent business.
- Kantar Media intends to invest in technological and geographical leadership.
- Nishant Nayyar, managing director at H.I.G Capital, expressed excitement about partnering with Kantar Media.
- The transaction purchase price, approximately $1 billion, will be primarily paid in cash with certain noncash considerations.
- Kantar Media's portfolio includes audience measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation solutions.
- H.I.G. Capital manages about $67 billion in capital.
- H.I.G. Capital's expertise is in scaling businesses and driving performance.
As Kantar Media continues its journey under H.I.G. Capital, the company aims to further accelerate its growth trajectory and strengthen its position as the global leader in media measurement and analytics. The deal includes separation-related investments by H.I.G. Capital and an earn-out, ensuring a promising future for the company.
- H.I.G. Capital, with its expertise in scaling businesses, aims to make Kantar Media an independent entity in the media industry, focusing on advancements in data solutions and media measurement.
- As part of the acquisition deal, Kantar Media intends to invest in technological and geographical leadership, reinforcing its position as a global authority in media analytics.
- Kantar Media's portfolio encompasses audience measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation solutions, which it aims to leverage for growth in the next-generation TV, finance, investing, and business sectors.
- With the deal expected to generate a purchase price of approximately $1 billion, Kantar Media plans to use a combination of cash and noncash considerations to consolidate its global leadership position in audience measurement and expand its video content streaming capabilities for various industries.
