H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of Kantar Media, a global provider of audience measurement and analytics, from Kantar Group. The transaction, announced in August 2025, establishes Kantar Media as an independent company backed by the Miami-based investment firm.
Financial terms were not disclosed in the closing announcement, though earlier reports indicated a transaction value of approximately $1 billion.
Independent Media Analytics Business
Headquartered in London, Kantar Media operates in more than 60 markets and provides data and analytics services to advertisers, agencies and media owners. The company’s offerings include audience measurement across television, digital and radio, advertising intelligence, and content monitoring. Its solutions help clients evaluate campaign effectiveness, optimise media spend, and validate return on investment.
The business will continue to be led by Chief Executive Patrick Béhar, who said the change in ownership represents an opportunity to accelerate innovation and reinforce independence. The company’s management team is expected to remain in place following the transaction.
Transaction Details
The acquisition was first announced in May 2025, with completion targeted for the second half of the year. Closing was finalised on August 4, 2025. Earlier reporting suggested the transaction involved a combination of cash, non-cash consideration, and an earn-out component, though the parties did not confirm details at the time of closing.
H.I.G. was advised on the acquisition by Morgan Stanley & Co. International, ING and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. The transaction adds to H.I.G.’s record of pursuing corporate carve-outs and technology-enabled business investments, particularly in Europe.
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Strategic Rationale
Kantar Media provides essential services at a time of significant change in the media landscape, where advertisers and agencies face increasing pressure to measure cross-platform consumption and verify campaign effectiveness. As an independent company, Kantar Media will focus on expanding its global measurement products and investing in analytics capabilities to support clients adapting to digital transformation.
The transaction also reflects broader trends in private equity, with firms targeting businesses that play a central role in data, analytics, and technology infrastructure. For H.I.G., the acquisition of Kantar Media builds on prior investments in business services and technology platforms with recurring demand profiles.
Broader Firm Context
H.I.G. Capital manages approximately $70 billion in assets across private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure strategies. Since its founding in 1993, the firm has invested in or managed more than 400 companies. Its current portfolio of over 100 businesses generates more than $53 billion in combined revenue.
The firm operates from offices across North America, Europe and Latin America and employs more than 600 investment professionals. The addition of Kantar Media further extends H.I.G.’s European presence and underscores its ability to execute complex international carve-outs.
Recent Transaction Activity
The Kantar Media acquisition is one of several deals completed by H.I.G. in 2025. In July, the firm’s growth equity affiliate sold a majority stake in The GLD Shop, a jewelry and lifestyle brand, while retaining a minority interest. During the same period, H.I.G. finalised the acquisition of Canadian fuel services provider 4Refuel for up to CAD 400 million.
Together, these transactions demonstrate the firm’s continued activity across diverse industries, ranging from consumer and industrial services to technology-enabled business platforms.
