Nielsen Holdings
Market measurement | |
Revenue | US$3.5 billion (2021)[3] |
---|---|
US$872 million (2021)[3] | |
US$963 million (2021)[3] | |
Total assets | US$10.8 billion (2021)[3] |
Total equity | US$3.3 billion (2021)[3] |
Owner | Elliott Investment Management |
Number of employees | c. 15,000 (December 2021)[3] |
Subsidiaries | Gracenote, 4INFO, AGB Nielsen Philippines, Rhiza, Nielsen Media Research, The Demand Institute |
Website | www |
Nielsen Holdings plc is an American information, data and
The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and used to be a component of the S&P 500.[4]
History
Formation
Nielsen was founded in 1923 by
Merger and listing
In January 2011, Nielsen consummated an initial public offering of common stock and, subsequently, started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NLSN".[4] On August 31, 2015, Nielsen N.V., a Dutch public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, merged with Nielsen Holdings plc, by way of a cross-border merger under the European Cross-Border Merger Directive, with Nielsen Holdings plc being the surviving company.[4] The merger effectively changed the place of incorporation of Nielsen's publicly traded parent holding company from the Netherlands to England and Wales, with no changes made to the business being conducted by Nielsen prior to the merger.[4]
2022 buyout
In March 2022, Nielsen announced that it had accepted a $16 billion offer from a group of private equity investors led by
Company information
Nielsen is a global, independent measurement and data company for
The company's operations span developing and emerging markets worldwide, in more than 100 countries. According to SEC records, on February 26, 2015, Nielsen N.V., announced that its board of directors unanimously approved a proposal that resulted in a change in the company's legal domicile, from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.[8] Upon approval, the company became incorporated under English law and was registered as a public limited company to be named Nielsen Holdings PLC.[9]
Up to 2022, James Attwood Jr. was Nielsen's non-executive chairman, who succeeded Dave Calhoun as Executive Chairman in January 2016. Prior to joining Nielsen as CEO in 2006, Dave Calhoun served as Vice Chairman of the General Electric Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Infrastructure, the largest of six GE business units. He served as Nielsen CEO from 2006 to 2014, when he was succeeded by Mitch Barns.[10] Barns joined Nielsen in 1997, and has held various roles in Europe, Asia, and North America leading major parts of the business.[11]
On December 3, 2018, David Kenny was named CEO of Nielsen, succeeding Mitch Barns.[citation needed]
In September 2023, Karthik Rao was named CEO of Nielsen, succeeding David Kenny who became Executive Chairman.[12]
While the Nielsen brand is most often associated with television ratings, those TV rating services comprise approximately one-quarter of the company's business and revenues. After substantial work to simplify the company over the last several years, Nielsen today aligns its business into two reporting segments: Buy (consumer purchasing measurement and analytics) and Watch (media audience measurement and analytics).[13]
What consumers buy
Nielsen's Buy segment (approx. 45% of global revenues) primarily helps packaged goods companies, retailers, and Wall Street analysts understand what consumers are buying in terms of categories, brands and products. The company's aim is to measure all consumer purchases as
What consumers watch
Nielsen's Watch segment (approx. 55% of global revenues) primarily measures what consumers are watching (and listening to) across most devices: TV, radio, computers, mobile, over-the-top, etc. The company measures
Company history
Radio and television
In 1936, Arthur C. Nielsen acquired the Audimeter, which measured which
The company began measuring television audiences in 1950, at a time when the medium was just getting off the ground. Just as with radio, a sampling of homes across the U.S. was used to develop ratings. This information was collected on a device that was attached to a television that recorded what was being watched. In 1953, the company began sending out diaries to a smaller sample of homes ("Nielsen families") within the survey to have them record what they had watched.[17] This data was put together with information from the devices. This combination of data allowed the company to statistically estimate the number of Americans watching TV and the demographic breakdown of viewers.[17] This became an important tool for advertisers and networks.
In the 1980s, the company launched a new measurement device known as the "people meter". The device resembles a remote control with buttons for each individual family member and extras for guests. Viewers push a button to signify when they are in the room and push it again when they leave, even if the TV is still on. This form of measurement was intended to provide a more accurate picture of who was watching and when.[19]
In July 2008,[20] Nielsen released the first in a series of quarterly reports, detailing video and TV usage across the 'three screens' – Television, Internet and Mobile devices. The A2/M2 Three Screen Report also includes trends in timeshifted viewing behavior and its relationship to online video viewing, a demographic breakdown of mobile video viewers and DVR penetration.
On September 30, 2016,[21] Nielsen made its Digital Content Ratings available in full syndication for clients.
On September 9, 2016,[22] Nielsen announced that it would retire its paper TV diaries by mid-2017 and provide all electronic measurement in its local television ratings.
Private equity
Nielsen was acquired by the
Becoming a public company
Nielsen was a private company from 2006 through 2011. On January 25, 2011, the company listed itself on the New York Stock Exchange and issued an initial public offering (IPO) that raised $1.8 billion in the largest private equity-backed U.S. IPO since 2006.[26]
Mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances and divestitures
2004
Nielsen began a joint venture called AGB Nielsen Media Research with
2006
VNU acquired a majority stake in Buzzmetrics, a company which measures consumer-generated media online. Under the new ownership, Nielsen bought the remaining shares of the company in 2007.
2007
In June, Nielsen acquired Telephia, a provider of syndicated consumer research to the telecom and mobile media markets.[34]
2008
Nielsen acquired IAG Research which measures viewer engagement with TV commercials.
2009
Nielsen acquired The Cambridge Group, a management consulting firm headquartered in Chicago. The firm researches latent and emerging consumer demand.
2010
In June, Nielsen paired with McKinsey & Company to create the social media consulting company NM Incite.[37][38] NM Incite had operations in 13 global markets, including: US, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Canada and Korea.[39]
2011
In August, Nielsen acquired Marketing Analytics, Inc.[citation needed]
2012
In February, Nielsen launched
2013
On June 17, 2013, Nielsen announced that Onex Corp (TSX: OCX) had completed the acquisition of Nielsen Expositions for $950 million in cash consideration. Nielsen Expositions operated tradeshows in the United States. The company was renamed Emerald Expositions Inc. after the transaction.
2014
On February 3, 2014, Nielsen announced the acquisition of Harris Interactive, Inc. (NASDAQ:HPOL). This allowed Nielsen to take ownership of The Harris Poll.[43] Later on February 26, 2014, Nielsen acquired Nexium, a retail in-store execution and sales analytics company.[44] On September 18, 2014 Nielsen announced the acquisition of Indicus Analytics Pvt Ltd. On October 8, 2014, Nielsen acquired Affinnova, an international media and marketing research firm. The Affinnova team joins Nielsen's legacy BASES team to form Nielsen's Innovation Practice area.[45]
2015
On January 22, 2015, Nielsen acquires Brandbank, specialized in the process of digitally collecting, managing and distributing FMCG product and brand image content for retail syndication across in-store, print promotional and e-commerce platforms.[46] On March 4, 2015, Nielsen announced the acquisition of Exelate, a provider of data and technology to facilitate the buying and selling of advertising across programmatic platforms.[47] On May 27, 2015, Nielsen acquired Innerscope Research, which specialized in consumer neuroscience using biometrics, eye tracking and facial coding. Nielsen renamed its combined offering as Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience, and named Carl Marci as Chief Neuroscientist.[48]
2016
On March 3, 2016, Nielsen acquired Pointlogic, in marketing decision support systems.[49] On March 10, 2016, Nielsen acquired Mumbai-based mobile usage measurer Informate Mobile Intelligence for an undisclosed amount.[50] On June 21, 2016, Nielsen acquired Repucom, a sports measurement, evaluation and intelligence company based in Stamford, Connecticut.[51] On December 20, 2016,[52] Nielsen announced its agreement with Tribune Media Company to purchase Gracenote, a provider of media and entertainment metadata.
2017
On January 5, 2017,[53] The Carlyle Group acquired Claritas from Nielsen. On January 23, 2017,[54] the Stagwell Group announced that it acquired Nielsen's Harris brand and the Harris Poll through its Stagwell Media LLC. On February 1, 2017,[55] Nielsen completed its acquisition of Gracenote. On February 23, 2017, Nielsen acquired Rhiza, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based media and consumer analytics software firm.
2021
On July 8, 2021, Nielsen acquired TVTY, a TV attribution provider and ad monitoring company based in Paris, France, for an undisclosed amount.[56]
Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeverijen
Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeverijen (VNU, literally "United Dutch Publishers", founded 1964) was a Dutch publishing company with products including European consumer magazines, Dutch regional newspapers, business publications in the European and North American markets, and educational publications.[57]
In 1997, VNU acquired the directory publishing business of ITT Sheraton (ITT World Directories) for $2.1 billion; the business was renamed VNU World Directories.[57]
VNU acquired Nielsen Media Research, part of the former AC Nielsen Company, in 1999.[58] It was the owner of the Hungarian business magazine Figyelő in the 1990s.[59]
In 2000, VNU acquired
VNU announced a heavy restructuring of its technology news portal, VNUNet, in February 2001. Ten employees were laid off due to the plan.
In 2004, VNU World Directories was sold to Apax Partners and Cinven.[64] VNU sold its business publications division in 2006 for €320m (£210m) to venture capital group 3i, which then sold the UK division (VNU Business Publications Ltd) to Incisive Media.[32]
The company was renamed The Nielsen Company in 2007.[65]
Corporate affairs and culture
FIFA has signed up with Nielsen to provide official market research for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[66]
See also
References
- ^ Nielsen Names a New CEO Amid Swirling Change in Media Measurement September 14, 2023
- ^ Nielsen appoints Warren Jenson as Chief Financial Officer September 10, 2023
- ^ a b c d e f "Nielsen Holdings, Inc. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K)". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. February 28, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f "Nielsen 2015 Annual Report" (PDF). Nielsen Holdings PLC. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
- ^ a b Chapman, Michelle (March 29, 2022). "Media measuring company Nielsen to be acquired in $16B deal". ABC News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 30, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
- ^ Lafayette, Jon (October 11, 2022). "Nielsen Completes $16 Billion Sale to Private Equity Consortium". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Nielsen 2015 Annual Report". Nielsen 2015 Annual Report.
- ^ Nielsen Proposes To Move Incorporation From Netherlands To United Kingdom February 26, 2015
- ^ SEC Record February 26, 2015
- ^ Thielman, Sam (November 6, 2013). "Nielsen's Own Mitch Barns Will Succeed Outside Hire David Calhoun as CEO". AdWeek. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ^ Industry Veteran Mitch Barns To Be Nielsen's Next Chief Executive Officer November 6, 2013
- ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ "SEC Annual Report" (PDF).
- ^ Nielsen 10-K Report 2011, February 22, 2012
- ^ "Nielsen Company 90 Years Celebration Reception In Chicago Wednesday August 21 - And The Ordinary People Said". ChicagoNow. August 20, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
- ^ "Nielsen Celebrates Chicago Roots with 90th Anniversary Party - Splash Magazines - Los Angeles". Lasplash. August 20, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
- ^ a b c d Gillespie, Mary. "Nielsen makes viewers count by watching them watch TV." Chicago Sun-Times, April 9, 1989
- ^ a b Basler, Barbara. "A.C. Nielsen, Who Devised System That Rates TV Programs, Dead." The New York Times, June 4, 1980
- ^ Kaplan, Peter W. "Nielsen to Try New Audience-Survey Device." The New York Times, October 16, 1985
- ^ Stelter, Brian (July 8, 2008). "Whichever Screen, People Are Watching". The New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ "Nielsen Launches Digital Content Ratings". Nielsen.com. September 27, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
- ^ "Nielsen to Deliver All-Electronic Measurement to Local TV Markets in 2017 and Retire Paper TV Diaries in 140 Local Markets". Nielsen.com. September 14, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
- ^ "Learn about the company history of D&B and where we are today at DNB.com". Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
- ^ Deogun, Nikhil. "VNU Nears Deal to Acquire ACNielsen." The Wall Street Journal, December 18, 2000
- ^ Pope, Kyle. "VNU to Buy Nielsen Media for $2.5 Billion — Accord to Help Dutch Firm Speed Up Its Transition To Information Concern." The Wall Street Journal, August 17, 1999
- ^ Spears, Lee (January 26, 2011). "Nielsen Holdings, Demand Media Shares Gain After IPOs". Bloomberg.
- ^ "WPP and VNU Form TV-Ratings Joint Venture". The Wall Street Journal. August 6, 2004.
- ^ Rodgers, Zachary (May 1, 2007). "Nielsen to Acquire Remaining Shares of BuzzMetrics". ClickZ.
- ^ Dickson, Glen and Eggerton, John. "Nielsen Closes on Telephia Deal". Broadcasting & Cable August 10, 2007
- ISBN 978-1-59392-109-5.
- ^ Singer, Jason and Berman, Dennis K. "VNU Gets Board Approval for Sale To Group of Private-Equity Firms." The Wall Street Journal, March 8, 2006
- ^ a b c Incisive to buy VNU Business Publications, The Daily Telegraph, February 6, 2007
- ^ a b Siklos, Richard. “Made to Measure”, Fortune Magazine, CNN Money, February 20, 2008. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
- ^ Story, Louise (June 28, 2007). "Nielsen Adds to Cellphone Tracking". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023.
- ^ Elliott, Stuart. "Nielsen's Latest Purchase is Audience Research Firm". The New York Times, April 8, 2008
- ^ Holmes, Gary (February 7, 2008). "Nielsen Makes Strategic Investment in NeuroFocus, an Innovative Leader in Neuromarketing Research". Nielsen Media Research
- ^ Kaye, Kate (June 14, 2010). "Nielsen Pairs With McKinsey for Social Media Consulting". ClickZ.
- ^ Zach Hofer-Shall "Nielsen Joins Forces With McKinsey For Social Intelligence Consulting" Archived June 17, 2010, at the Wayback Machine "Forrester Blogs" June 14, 2010
- ^ [1] Archived August 18, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Ha, Anthony. July 2, 2012. "Nielsen Acquires Vizu To Measure Online Ad Effectiveness"
- ^ Nielsen, NM Incite Acquire Socialguide November 12, 2012
- ^ "NIELSEN ACQUIRES ARBITRON". Nielsen. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
- ^ "Harris Interactive Joins Nielsen". Nielsen.com. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ Nielsen Bolsters Shopper Marketing Credentials With Acquisition Of Nexium February 26, 2014
- ^ "Nielsen Acquires Affinnova". The Nielsen Company. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
- ^ Nielsen Acquires Brandbank January 22, 2015
- ^ "Nielsen Acquires Exelate". The Nielsen Company. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- ^ Dooley, Roger. "Nielsen Doubles Down On Neuro". Forbes. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
- ^ Nielsen Acquires Pointlogic March 3, 2016
- ^ Nielsen buys Mumbai-based mobile usage measurer Informate Mobile Intelligence March 10, 2016
- ^ Nielsen Completes Acquisition Of Repucom June 21, 2016
- ^ "Nielsen Acquires Gracenote". Nielsen.com. December 20, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
- ^ "The Carlyle Group Completes Acquisition of Claritas from Nielsen". Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^ "Stagwell Media LLC To Relaunch Harris Brand, Including The Harris Poll". Prnewswire.com. March 16, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
- ^ "Nielsen Completes Acquisition of Gracenote". www.nielsen.com.
- ^ "Nielsen strengthens market leading position in TV attribution and ad intelligence with acquisition of TVTY". nielsen.com. July 8, 2021.
- ^ a b "International Directory of Company Histories", www.fundinguniverse.com, vol. 27, St. James Press, 1999
- ^ Pope, Kyle. “VNU to Buy Nielsen Media for $2.5 Billion — Accord to Help Dutch Firm Speed Up Its Transition To Information Concern.” The Wall Street Journal, August 17, 1999
- ^ Rita M. Csapo-Sweet; Ildiko Kaposi (Spring 1999). "Mass Media in Post-Communist Hungary". International Communications Bulletin. 34 (1–2). Retrieved December 27, 2014.
- ^ Staff (31 July 2000) '"VNU Acquires Miller Freeman From United News & Media" Business Publisher 15(1): p.1;
- ^ Staff (31 January 2002) "New company acquires titles from CMP Media: UP Media Group acquires PCB Group from CMP Media" Business Publisher 16(12): p. 1-2;
- ^ Vickers, Amy (February 23, 2001). "VNUNet.com cuts staff in restructure". The Guardian. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
- ^ "Historie van de Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgevers", rtl.nl (in Dutch), RTL Nederland, retrieved September 29, 2011
- ^ Apax and Cinven set to win £1.4bn fight for VNU arm
- ^ "VNU Changing Name to The Nielsen Company", hk.nielsen.com, January 22, 2007
- ^ "Nielsen to provide official market research for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and 2018 FIFA World Cup". FIFA. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
External links
- Official website (in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Swedish)
- Historical business data for Nielsen Holdings plc:
- SEC filings
- Nielsen Wire - Nielsen news blog
- Nielsen 90 Year Timeline
- List of subsidiaries of The Nielsen Company B.V. — SEC