Another month, another round of acquisitions. This month saw Brandwatch pick up market research provider Qriously, Ignite buy Synoptos, and Cision put itself for sale. Meanwhile, Meltwater picked up a recapitalisation deal. Finally, if you read one report this week, make sure it’s the 2019 USC Annenberg Global Communications Report.
Brandwatch buys Qriously
Brandwatch has announced the acquisition of Qriously, a market research SaaS platform. The move will see Brandwatch combine Qriously’s survey data with its social data to create a holistic view of the consumer. The financial details of the acquisition were not announced. The blending of market research and social media analytics has been an emerging trend recently, with market research group Ipsos acquiring Synthesio last October. Brandwatch merged with Crimson Hexagon in October, creating a business generating about $USD100 million in annual revenues.
Synoptos acquired by Ignite
Synoptos, the media intelligence provider based in Washington DC, has been acquired by Ignite Technologies for an undisclosed sum. Ignite Technologies is part of ESW Capital Group based in Austin, Texas, which has a focus on buying, strengthening, and then growing mature business software companies.
Meltwater picks up $USD 175 million in global recapitalisation
Vista Credit Partners has led a $USD175 million recapitalisation of Meltwater. According to Meltwater CEO, Jorn Lyseggen, “We are excited about our partnership with Vista, which will allow us to further invest in our products, adding value for our current customers and setting us up for expanded organic growth.”
Cision is on the hunt for a buyer
According to Reuters, Cision is “holding discussions with private equity firms about a potential sale, people familiar with the matter said”. The company has a market capitalisation of a little over $USD2 billion, with $USD1.2 billion in long term debt. In February, Cision reported its 2018 financials including an EBITDA of $USD255.2 million. Since 2014, Cision has fuelled its growth via 11 acquisitions. Cision’s own acquisition will almost certainly have an impact on industry consolidation.
Kantar rebrands (kind of)
Speaking of companies for sale, Kantar, which announced it was searching for a buyer last October, has a new brand identity. The WPP-owned business has consolidated all of its brands under a single brand entity – Kantar. The name change reflects the way that the market has long referred to the company, and comes with no other changes. Kantar was keen to stress that the consolidated naming was not prompted by its plans to sell. But, it is for sale, and private-equity firms TPG Capital, Apax, Bain Capital and Cinven are amongst those reportedly interested.
Access Intelligence reports rising revenue
USC Annenberg study explores PR & technology
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