Nielsen Considering Possible Company Sale

Nielsen's Board of Directors has expanded the scope of its previously announced Buy segment review, and says it will now assess alternatives for the whole company, including a possible sale.

In July, shares in Nielsen fell 27% after the firm lowered its outlook for 2018 and announced that CEO Mitch Barns will be retiring at the end of the year. The firm's media analysis 'Watch' segment continued to perform well in the second quarter while its sister 'Buy' division saw consecutive revenue declines. At the time, it was announced that the Board of Directors, together with management, would be conducting the Buy segment review, led by Board Chairman James Attwood (pictured), who has been named Executive Chairman.

Then last month, investor Hedge fund Elliott Management Corp acquired an 8.4% stake in Nielsen Holdings, at an estimated value of $660m, with the intention of putting pressure on the Nielsen Board to sell the company. News soon followed that Chief Financial Officer Jamere Jackson is leaving to 'pursue an opportunity outside of the company', and is being replaced by former Honeywell CFO David Anderson.

The now expanded review includes an assessment of a range of options, including continuing to operate as a public, independent company; a separation of either the Buy or Watch segment; or a sale of the company. However, as is standard in such reviews, the firm is not giving any assurances that any specific transaction will result. Attwood (pictured) comments: 'As the Board conducts its review, we and our valued associates remain focused on providing clients with the most complete understanding of what consumers watch and buy with mission critical data that enables markets around the world to act faster, more efficiently and with greater confidence'.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .