Kantar Group, the global marketing data and analytics company based in London and a portfolio company of Bain Capital, has announced the proposed sale of Kantar Media to H.I.G. Capital. The purchase price is approximately $1 billion, to be primarily paid in cash along with certain non-cash consideration, including separation-related investments by H.I.G. Capital, and an earn-out, explained Kantar in a statement. Kantar Media CEO, Patrick Béhar, will continue to lead the business, which operates in more than 60 markets. Béhar joined Kantar Media from Sky about a year ago.
H.I.G. Capital, headquartered in Miami, is an investment firm with $67 billion of equity capital under management and 19 global offices. Since its creation in 1993, H.I.G. Capital has invested in more than 400 companies with combined revenues in excess of $53 billion, claims the company.
The proposed transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary legal and regulatory requirements and consultation processes with employee representatives where necessary. J.P. 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 as financial advisor to H.I.G. Capital.
