M&A firm advises global strategic research and consulting firm in its sale to a leading data investment management group
NEW YORK – M&A advisory firm AdMedia Partners, Inc. is pleased to announce that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Benenson Strategy Group, a global strategic research and consulting firm, in its sale to Kantar, the data investment management division of WPP and one of the world’s largest insight, information and consultancy groups.
“We are delighted to welcome to Kantar a company as highly regarded as Benenson Strategy Group”
The acquisition adds Benenson Strategy Group’s unique strengths to Kantar’s line up of companies and reflects the growing demand among opinion leaders for deep, consumer-based insights, rooted in behavioral change.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York, Benenson Strategy Group ran the award-winning research and polling programs for President Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns and has advised 11 Prime Ministers and Presidents worldwide. Benenson Strategy Group also has an extensive private sector and advocacy practice, including clients such as Pfizer, AARP, Campbell’s Soup and the NFL. In addition to New York, the firm has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Denver.
“We are delighted to welcome to Kantar a company as highly regarded as Benenson Strategy Group,” said Kantar CEO, Eric Salama. “Joel and his team bring a unique dimension to Kantar’s global offering through their advanced research, deep insights and unique approach to the understanding of consumer attitudes. These characteristics will enable us to open new doors and embrace new techniques for the clients we serve through Kantar’s operating companies, while expanding Benenson Strategy Group’s expertise across sectors and geographies.”
Joel Benenson, CEO of Benenson Strategy Group said, “Benenson Strategy Group helps leaders in politics, business and public affairs connect with their target audiences by understanding the complex attitudes that drive choice and change. We are very excited to join Kantar, a global leader, and look forward to working in partnership as we continue to conduct high-impact strategic work for our clients and expand our global reach.”
Benenson Strategy Group will continue to be run by co-founders Joel Benenson, CEO, and Carl Rossow, COO, along with its senior leadership team of Peter Brodnitz, Daniel Franklin, Mitch Markel, and Amy Levin.
About Kantar
Kantar is the data investment management division of WPP and one of the world’s largest insight, information and consultancy groups. By connecting the diverse talents of its 13 specialist companies, the group aims to become the pre-eminent provider of compelling and inspirational insights for the global business community. Its 28,500 employees work across 100 countries and across the whole spectrum of research and consultancy disciplines, enabling the group to offer clients business insights at every point of the consumer cycle. The group’s services are employed by over half of the Fortune Top 500 companies. For further information, please visit us at www.kantar.com.
About Benenson Strategy Group
Benenson Strategy Group is a global strategic research and consulting firm that delivers breakthrough communication and messaging strategies. Through advanced research and a deep understanding of the complex consumer attitudes that motivate decision-making and drive change, Benenson Strategy Group helps its corporate, political and institutional clients overcome significant communications challenges and gain a competitive edge in the markets they serve. The firm has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Denver. For more information, please visit www.bsgco.com.
About AdMedia Partners
Founded in 1990, AdMedia is a leading M&A advisory firm serving the marketing services, advertising, marketing technology, media and information sectors. AdMedia has completed over 180 transactions for clients valued in excess of $8 billion since 1999. For more information, visit www.admediapartners.com.
