NEW YORK VNU, owner of Nielsen Media Research and Adweek, said Monday it had received an offer from a consortium of private equity firms to purchase the company for about 28 to 28.50 euros per common share valued at about $8.9 billion.
The group of investors, which made the bid following several weeks of diligence and access to VNU management, includes AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Permira and Thomas H. Lee Partners.
Although the bid is non-binding, VNU said it is not proceeding with discussions with any other party. VNU said it would provide further information on the proposed sale within three to four weeks.
The proposed sale of Netherlands-based VNU follows a revolt late last year by shareholders over VNU’s agreement to purchase IMS Health for about $7 billion. In November, the sale was scrapped leading to the resignation of Rob van den Bergh, the company’s chairman and CEO.
Consortium Enters an $8.9 Bil. Bid for VNU
