WPP to sell 60% of its global research arm M+AD!

LONDON, Friday: WPP has entered into an agreement to sell 60% of Kantar, its global data, research, consulting and analytics business, to US private equity group Bain Capital.

The transaction values Kantar, which has a presence in 80 countries, including NZ, at US$4 billion.

WPP’s UK-based ceo Mark Read said: “Kantar is a great business and we look forward to working with Bain Capital to unlock its full potential.

“As a strategic partner and shareholder in Kantar, WPP will continue to benefit from its future growth while our clients continue to benefit from its services and capabilities.

Bain Capital MD Luca Bassi (also based in London) said: “Kantar is a market leader in many areas and we are excited to be partnering with its management team and WPP to build on this remarkable platform for growth.

“Business as usual at Kantar TNS NZ?”

“We see many opportunities for expansion and will invest in technology to expand the company’s capabilities and reinforce its global leading position.”

Kantar ceo Eric Salama said: “Our new ownership structure presents a great opportunity for Kantar, our employees and our clients. In Bain Capital we have a partner who shares our ambition, brings relevant expertise and – with WPP – can help us accelerate our growth and impact for clients.

“We are focused on delivering ‘human understanding at scale and speed’ and the ‘best of Kantar’ more consistently. We will do so by investing more in talent and by becoming a more technology-driven solutions provider.”

Kantar has a strong presence in NZ via Kantar TNS, a full-service market research consultancy based in Sale St, Auckland. Presumably, it will be business as usual.