Information Resources, Inc. To Merge with The NPD Group

Information Resources, Inc., (IRI) a fast-growing global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, has inked an agreement to merge with The NPD Group, a global provider of market information and advisory services in more than 20 industries. 

 

According to a news release from IRI, the merger will create a leading global technology, analytics and data provider that offers clients a view of total retail purchasing and consumption trends powered by advanced, predictive analytics on the industry-leading IRI Liquid Data technology platform. 

 

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022; terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 

Kirk Perry, president and CEO of IRI, said, called the move a “win-win” for both companies.  

 

“We look forward to joining forces with the NPD team, which brings expertise in parts of the store that IRI does not cover today,” said Perry. “As the global retail landscape continues to evolve, IRI and NPD will have innovative technology, analytics, data resources, talent and geographic reach to best support the growth of the world’s leading brands and retailers. Our combined organization will be well-positioned for continued innovation and success, backed by the expertise and resources of our new majority investor, Hellman & Friedman (H&F), alongside our long-term partners at Vestar Capital and New Mountain Capital.”

Since its founding in 1966, NPD has pioneered point-of-sale tracking in general merchandise categories. Today, it provides an impressive omnichannel marketplace to 19 countries, and more than 20 industries. With more than 2,000 customers, NPD is trusted by some of the world's leading retailers, manufacturers and media organizations for predicting market performances in various industries. 

 

H&F, a premier global private equity firm, will acquire a majority stake in IRI and merge IRI with H&F portfolio company NPD. H&F will lead an ownership group consisting of existing long-term IRI investors Vestar Capital Partners and New Mountain Capital, which will both retain significant investments in the combined company, company officials said. 

 

Following the close of the transaction, H&F, Vestar and NMC will each have representation on the combined company’s board of directors. Perry will become CEO of the combined company and serve on the board. NPD Executive Chairman Tod Johnson will be chairman of the combined company’s board, and Karyn Schoenbart also will join the board. Jeff Ansell, current chairman of IRI’s board, will continue on the combined company’s board as well. Johnson and Schoenbart will continue to lead NPD until closing and will remain investors in the combined company. 

 

Said NPD's Schoenbart, “We are excited about the prospect of combining our companies to give clients the tools and information they need to succeed amid changing consumer behavior. Both NPD and IRI share similar client-focused, innovative and collaborative cultures, making this combination a natural fit.”