WPP reportedly mulling sale of Kantar stake

(Sharecast News) - Advertising agency conglomerate WPP is exploring options to divest its 40% stake in market research firm Kantar, it was reported on Wednesday, in a bid to raise capital and address a declining share price. According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the matter said WPP was working with advisors to evaluate potential alternatives, including a complete sale of its stake, which it retained following the sale of 60% of Kantar to Bain Capital in 2019.

The deal could potentially value Kantar at between $3bn and $4bn, after accounting for its $4bn worth of debt.

Bloomberg said one of the options being considered was the sale of the stake to Bain Capital, but other possibilities, such as an initial public offering, were also in the air.

It was recently reported that Bain Capital was planning to initiate the sale of Kantar Media, a unit of Kantar responsible for managing the television audience measurement system BARB, which could be valued at around £1bn.

Representatives from both WPP and Bain Capital were not commenting on the reports on Wednesday.

At the close on Wednesday, shares in WPP were up 0.61% at 759.4p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.