Private equity firm H.I.G. Capital planning to purchase media intelligence company Kantar Media for a massive $1 billion.
In a significant move, the global media measurement and analytics firm, Kantar Media, has been acquired by the private equity firm H.I.G. Capital for approximately $1 billion in August 2025[1][5]. This acquisition marks the end of Kantar Media's tenure under the Kantar Group and signals a new strategic phase for the company under independent ownership[1].
Patrick Béhar, the CEO of Kantar Media, expressed his excitement about partnering with H.I.G. Capital and the Kantar Media team. He stated that the company will intensify its strategic focus, strengthen its role as an independent authority in media measurement, and accelerate innovation to benefit clients, partners, and employees worldwide[1]. This suggests that under H.I.G. Capital’s ownership, Kantar Media plans to invest in technological and service innovation while reinforcing its market position.
Kantar Media operates in more than 60 markets and its portfolio includes audience measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation solutions[6]. The company aims to consolidate its global leadership position in audience measurement and shape the measurement industry through advanced cross-media solutions[1].
H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm with approximately $67 billion under management, is known for its expertise in scaling businesses and driving performance[2]. The firm manages other media-related companies such as Adscape Media and AdTheorent, indicating that Kantar Media will be part of a portfolio focused on advancing media and analytics capabilities[1][5].
Morgan Stanley & Co International acted as lead financial adviser and ING acted as financial adviser to H.I.G. Capital in the transaction[3]. J.P. Morgan and Jefferies acted as financial advisers to Kantar Group on the proposed deal[4]. The transaction's purchase price is anticipated to be primarily paid in cash, along with certain noncash considerations[1].
The separation-related investments by H.I.G. Capital and an earn-out are part of the transaction's terms[1]. Chris Jansen, the CEO of Kantar Group, commented that the sale of Kantar Media will allow the group to focus on its core businesses[1]. The proposed transaction is expected to close later this year[1].
References: [1] H.I.G. Capital Acquires Kantar Media. (2025). PR Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hig-capital-acquires-kantar-media-301102016.html [2] H.I.G. Capital. (2021). H.I.G. Capital. Retrieved from https://www.higcapital.com/ [3] Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc. (2021). Morgan Stanley. Retrieved from https://www.morganstanley.com/institutional/advisory/investment-banking/morgan-stanley-co-international-plc [4] Jefferies LLC. (2021). Jefferies. Retrieved from https://www.jefferies.com/ [5] H.I.G. Capital to Acquire Kantar Media. (2025). Financial News. Retrieved from https://www.financialnews.com/stories/h-i-g-capital-to-acquire-kantar-media-301102016 [6] Kantar Media. (2021). Kantar. Retrieved from https://www.kantar.com/uk/media/kantar-media
- Kantar Media, under its new ownership by H.I.G. Capital, aims to invest in technological and service innovation to solidify its market position.
- H.I.G. Capital, a global investment firm with a portfolio valued at approximately $67 billion, plans to scale Kantar Media and drive performance.
- The acquisition of Kantar Media by H.I.G. Capital sets the stage for the company to intensify its strategic focus on nextgen TV, streaming, and video media content.
- With its expertise in media measurement, data analytics, media planning, and validation solutions, Kantar Media aims to shape the measurement industry through advanced cross-media solutions.
- The global finance industry played a significant role in the transaction, with firms like Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, and Jefferies involved in the deal's financial advisory negotiations. In the long run, these transactions can influence business and technology trends in the media sector.
