NielsenIQ-GfK combination to create capabilities in consumer and retail measurement industry

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- NielsenIQ and GfK SE (GfK), two leaders in global information services, have announced a definitive agreement through which the companies plan to combine, creating new capabilities in the consumer and retail measurement industry.

Powered by state-of-the-art cloud technology, the combination will bring together complementary data and analytics assets to provide a comprehensive view of shopper spending through a total store read, enabling clients to anticipate trends and react faster to consumer needs and expectations.

“Combining our market-leading capabilities will allow us to further accelerate innovation that best serves our expanded client base and deliver significant value for all our stakeholders,” said Jim Peck, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NielsenIQ in a statement.

“Together with GfK, we have the opportunity to influence the future of global retail and consumer measurement – one that is fast, nimble and connected.”

Meanwhile, Lars Nordmark, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of GfK said: “The combination with NielsenIQ will enable us to empower our customers to make smarter decisions across their organisations at a truly global scale and accelerate our journey into the next chapter of innovation.”

GfK’s leading position in technology and durables across 67 countries, combined with NielsenIQ’s leading position in the measurement of fast-moving consumer goods in 90 countries will allow for expansion within the companies’ traditional client industries as well as new market segments.

With a larger technology and operations talent base worldwide, the combined company will innovate and bring new products to market even faster and then scale them to a broader set of markets and industries.

With this transaction, Advent will become the majority shareholder of the combined company. Advent acquired NielsenIQ in a transaction that closed in 2021.

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.

-- BERNAMA