NielsenIQ to operate as stand-alone company

NielsenIQ is now an independent company focusing on research and insights into fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

The announcement follows its acquisition by private equity firm Advent International, in partnership with incoming executive chairman and CEO James Peck, for US$2.7 billion. The sale, in the fall of 2020, came just days after parent company Nielsen Holdings unveiled that Nielsen Global Connect was to be rebranded as NielsenIQ. The previous years, in November 2019, Nielsen Holdings revealed a plan to split its core businesses—media measurement and its shopping and retail data business—into two publicly traded companies.

NielsenIQ, now an Advent International portfolio company, has operations in nearly 100 markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

The company said in a release: “As a standalone business, NielsenIQ is better positioned to accelerate its transformation and strengthen its market-leading position.”

Three new leaders will join NielsenIQ. Mohit Kapoor joins as chief technology officer, overseeing all aspects of technology. Steve Matthesen, a Nielsen veteran, joins as chief strategy officer to help develop and execute the corporate strategy and other key initiatives. Curt Miller joins as chief transformation officer to drive organizational alignment that supports NielsenIQ’s growth strategy.

“NielsenIQ has a unique opportunity to become a nimble partner with the flexibility to increase strategic investments and innovation in the future,” said Peck. “Our independence underscores our commitment to a turnaround plan that will enable us to better support our customers and partners, and deliver maximum value while adapting to changing market and customer dynamics.”