Hellman & Friedman (H&F) — a global private equity firm — has made a binding offer and entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire The NPD Group, a leading market data provider that covers several consumer products sectors, including the toy industry, games, and video games. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.
Pending customary approvals and a sign-off by NPD and H&F shareholders, the companies will enter into a definitive sale agreement subject to certain terms and conditions. NPD Executive Chairman Tod Johnson and CEO Karyn Schoenbart are expected to retain a minority stake in the business and will continue to serve on the NPD board of directors.
“As a leading source of market information and advisory services for general merchandise and food service, NPD is committed to helping our clients and the industries we serve achieve data-driven growth for many years to come,” Johnson says. “H&F shares our focus on long-term growth and has the resources and expertise to not only continue but also accelerate NPD’s momentum and long track record of success. Both Karyn and I are delighted to have the opportunity to partner as minority investors alongside H&F as we work in close collaboration on a long-term strategic plan and transition over time to the next generation of NPD leadership.”
The NPD Group was founded in 1966 and currently stands as the eighth largest market research company in the world. Its operations span the Americas, Europe, and APAC, covering more than 20 industries.
