Nielsen Set To Split: Global Media, Global Connect
• Nielsen Holdings plc announced its plan to spin-off the company’s Global Connect business, creating two independent, publicly traded companies — the Global Media business and the Global Connect business — each of which will have sharper strategic focus and greater opportunity to leverage its unique competitive advantages.
“Nielsen has two strong and global franchises — Global Media and Global Connect,” said James Attwood, Chairman of Nielsen’s Board of Directors. “Following an extensive review process, which included an in-depth analysis of our businesses, strategies and market opportunities, the Board concluded that separating into two independent, publicly traded companies is the best path to position each business for long term success and maximize value creation. As independent companies, both Nielsen — the Global Media business — and the new company consisting of Global Connect will enjoy added flexibility and further strengthen their paths toward a new phase of growth, productivity and industry leadership.”
David Kenny, Chief Executive Officer (left), commented, “Both the Global Media and Global Connect businesses are independently essential to the industries they serve, but each business has unique dynamics. Our decision to separate them marks a milestone in our strategic evolution and will best position each to serve the specific needs of their clients and successfully address rapidly changing dynamics in the marketplace. As two independent companies, we can better drive decision making with velocity and push key initiatives to accelerate performance enhancements of each business.”
With the completion of the strategic review, Attwood resumes his role as Chairman of the Board. He had been serving as Executive Chairman to oversee the Company’s strategic review and CEO search. After the separation is complete, Kenny will serve as CEO of Nielsen’s Global Media business. Nielsen has begun a search for a CEO of the Global Connect business, and will consider both external and internal candidates. Additions to the management teams and the composition of the boards of directors for both companies will be named in due course. Nielsen currently expects the spin-off transaction to be completed in nine to twelve months, subject to certain conditions.
