OTS - NielsenIQ and GfK to Combine, Creating a Leading Global Provider of Information and Analytics in Consumer and Retail Measurement (part 2)
2022. July 01. 14:07
Chicago & Nuremberg, Germany, 1 July, 2022 (Business Wire/OTS) -
Ownership
With this transaction, Advent will become the majority
shareholder of the combined company. Advent acquired NielsenIQ in a
transaction that closed in 2021.
"We see tremendous potential to build on the two companies'
strong brands and cutting-edge platforms," said Chris Egan,
Managing Partner at Advent. “Given the capabilities and resources
of the soon-to-be combined entity, we are confident in our ability
to build a truly global leader in consumer and retail data. Drawing
on our global footprint and operational strength, we aim to further
scale the business and advance its position across established and
emerging markets.”
Since GfK’s spin-off from NIM in 1984, NIM has been the
company’s majority shareholder and will remain one of the key
shareholders of the new combined company. Based on the transaction,
NIM will be able to further drive and accelerate its development as
a leading international research institute.
“GfK and NielsenIQ, two top players in market research, have
almost 200 years of combined experience. We see the combination of
their complementary strengths as a unique opportunity, creating
exciting new business opportunities for both parties. The
combination is, thus, in the best interest of their employees,
customers and retail partners alike,” said Manfred Scheske,
President of NIM, and continued: “As a significant shareholder of
the new company, NIM will be able to continue its development as a
leading international research institute, fulfill its main purpose,
as defined by the association's statutes, and live-up to its
founders’ ambitions.”
Alongside NIM, KKR will stay invested in the combined company
as a minority shareholder. The global investment firm took GfK
private alongside NIM in 2017 to support GfK’s strategic
transformation and pave the way for sustainable growth. In close
collaboration with the company’s management team, NIM and KKR
supported the company in a comprehensive transformation, focusing
its portfolio, introducing cutting-edge predictive analytics
offerings and accelerating its profitable organic growth.
“GfK is much stronger today than it was five years ago, and the
2021 results are a testament to GfK’s effort and readiness to
continue its path to become an integrated data, analytics and
consulting firm providing superior service to its clients. We
strongly believe that GfK coming together with NielsenIQ is a
transformative combination that allows GfK to proceed on its growth
and innovation trajectory at an even faster pace”, said Philipp
Freise, Partner and Co-Head of European Private Equity at KKR.
Approvals
The transaction is expected to close later this year or early
next year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing
conditions. Until closing, NielsenIQ and GfK will remain
independent companies focused on their current strategies and
growth plans.
About NielsenIQ
NielsenIQ, a global information services company, delivers the
gold standard in consumer and retail measurement, through the most
connected, complete, and actionable understanding of the evolving
global, omnichannel consumer. NielsenIQ is the source of confidence
for the industries we serve and the pioneer defining the next
century of consumer and retail measurement. Our data, connected
insights, and predictive analytics optimize the performance of CPG
and retail companies, bringing them closer to the communities they
serve and helping to power their growth.
NielsenIQ, an Advent International portfolio company, has
operations in 90+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s
population. For more information, visit NielsenIQ.com.
About GfK
GfK. Growth from Knowledge.
For over 85 years, GfK has earned the trust of its clients
around the world by solving critical business questions in their
decision-making process around consumers, markets, brands and
media. The company’s reliable data and insights, together with
advanced AI capabilities, have shaped access to real-time
actionable recommendations that drive marketing, sales and
organizational effectiveness of its clients and partners. That’s
how GfK promises and delivers “Growth from Knowledge”.
For more information, visit https://www.gfk.com.
About Advent International
Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and
most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has
invested in over 390 private equity investments across 41
countries, and as of December 31, 2021, had $88 billion in assets
under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has
established a globally integrated team of over 265 private equity
investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin
America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core
sectors, including business and financial services; health care;
industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. For over
35 years, Advent has been dedicated to international investing and
remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver
sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.
For more information, visit
Website: www.adventinternational.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international
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