WPP 'Discussing Sale of Kantar Minority Stake'

WPP is examining a possible sale of its remaining stake in Kantar, according to sources quoted by Bloomberg.

WPP owns 40% of Kantar - the remainder was sold to Bain Capital in 2019. The London-based global marcoms group is working with an adviser to study alternatives for its remaining stake, as it looks to raise cash and address a faltering share price, according to reports on www.bloomberg.com. Options include a sale to Bain or an IPO.

Bloomberg stressed that no decisions have been made and said representatives for WPP and Bain Capital declined to comment on the rumours. Sky News reported last week that Bain may put Kantar's Media division up for sale this year, for 'as much as £1bn'.

The sources quoted by Bloomberg said a deal could give Kantar an equity value of about $3-4 billion, while the firm also has around $4 billion of debt.

Web sites: www.kantar.com and www.wpp.com .