 Spot On Marketing Data & Insights Are we, as Business Week contends, living in “Private Equity’s World”? Recent deals in the Insights business support this claim. To explore the evolution and impact of this trend, Ken Sonenclar, Managing Director at Oaklins DeSilva & Phillips hosted an enlightening discussion with panelists John Almeida, General Partner at Saroras Private Capital, and Will Bihrle, Vice President of Bain Capital. Almeida describes the trajectory leading up to the sale of Reimagine, the marketing insights company he founded eight years ago, to Dynata (controlled by Court Square Capital and HGGC) in 2019 for a significant multiple. Bihrle explains the thesis and strategy behind Bain’s bold acquisition of 60% of Kantar, one of the largest research firms in the world, from WPP. The panel offers their views on some of the toughest questions facing the industry, including whether human touch still has a role in the increasingly machine-driven field; whether customers really want do-it-yourself solutions; if faster is always better; and whether the influx of PE money and control is improving or undermining the industry. In addition to providing valuable insights into the sector’s future, we chart company multiples and valuations to illustrate the upward trend in the Insights industry over the last four years. Download the full newsletter by clicking here. |
