{{Short description|American media audience measurement company}} {{distinguish|Nielsen Norman Group}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2018}} {{Use American English|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = Nielsen Holdings plc | trade_name = The Nielsen Company | logo = Nielsen 2021.svg | type = [[Privately held company|Private]] | traded_as = {{NYSE was|NLSN}} (2011&ndash;2022) [[S&P 500]] component (2013–2022) | ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|GB00BWFY5505}} | founded = {{Start date and age|1923|8|24}} | founder = [[Arthur Nielsen]] | hq_location = [[New York City]], U.S. | key_people = [[David Kenny (executive)|David Kenny]] ([[executive chairman]])<br>Karthik Rao ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<ref name="Karthik Rao">[https://www.wsj.com/articles/nielsen-names-a-new-ceo-amid-swirling-change-in-media-measurement-db6c859e Nielsen Names a New CEO Amid Swirling Change in Media Measurement] September 14, 2023</ref><br>Warren Jenson ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]])<ref name="Warren Jenson">[https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2023/nielsen-appoints-warren-jenson-as-chief-financial-officer Nielsen appoints Warren Jenson as Chief Financial Officer] September 10, 2023</ref> | industry = Media | products = {{ubl|[[Audience measurement]]||[[Media research]]}} | revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|3.5 billion|link=yes}} (2021)<ref name=10K /> | operating_income = {{increase}} {{US$|872 million}} (2021)<ref name=10K /> | net_income = {{increase}} {{US$|963 million}} (2021)<ref name=10K /> | assets = {{decrease}} {{US$|10.8 billion}} (2021)<ref name=10K /> | equity = {{increase}} {{US$|3.3 billion}} (2021)<ref name=10K /> | num_employees = {{circa|15,000}} (December 2021)<ref name=10K>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1492633/000156459022007612/nlsnnv-10k_20211231.htm |title=Nielsen Holdings, Inc. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=28 February 2022 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]}}</ref> | owner = [[Elliott Investment Management]] (2022–present) | parent = | subsid = [[Gracenote]], [[Nielsen Audio]], [[AGB Nielsen Philippines]], Rhiza, [[Nielsen Media Research]], [[The Demand Institute]] | website = {{URL|https://nielsen.com}} }}

'''Nielsen Holdings plc''' (or simply '''Nielsen''') is an American media audience measurement firm. Nielsen operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide.

For most of its history, the company was known for its two subsidiaries, [[Nielsen Media Research]], which was responsible for TV ratings, and AC Nielsen, which was responsible for consumer shopping trends and box-office data. Nielsen Media Research later evolved into Global Media division and the AC Nielsen later evolved into Global Connect division. The company later decided to retain its Global Media division and divested the Global Connect division ([[NielsenIQ]], the former AC Nielsen) to private equity firm [[Advent International]] in March 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2021-03-05 |title=Nielsen Announces Completion of Sale Of Global Connect Business to Advent International |url=https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2021/nielsen-announces-completion-of-sale-of-global-connect-business-to-advent-international/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Nielsen |language=en-US}}</ref>

The company was listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] and used to be a component of the [[S&P 500]].<ref name="Nielsen 2015AR">{{cite web |title=Nielsen 2015 Annual Report |url=http://s1.q4cdn.com/199638165/files/online/annual/report/2015ar/assets/pdfs/Nielsen2015AnnualReport.pdf |access-date=October 24, 2016 |work=Nielsen Holdings PLC}}</ref>

==History== ===Formation=== Nielsen was founded in 1923 by [[Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr.]], who invented an approach to measuring competitive sales results that made the concept of "[[market share]]" a practical management tool. The holding company was incorporated in the [[Netherlands]] and later was purchased on May 24, 2006, by a consortium of [[private equity firm]]s.<ref name="Nielsen 2015AR"/>

===Merger and listing=== In January 2011, Nielsen consummated an initial public offering of common stock and, subsequently, started trading on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] under the symbol "NLSN".<ref name="Nielsen 2015AR"/> On August 31, 2015, Nielsen N.V., a Dutch public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, merged with Nielsen Holdings plc, by way of a cross-border merger under the European Cross-Border Merger Directive, with Nielsen Holdings plc being the surviving company.<ref name="Nielsen 2015AR"/> The merger effectively changed the place of incorporation of Nielsen's publicly traded parent holding company from the Netherlands to England and Wales, with no changes made to the business being conducted by Nielsen prior to the merger.<ref name="Nielsen 2015AR"/>

=== 2021 split and 2022 buyout === On March 5, 2021, Nielsen Holdings announced the completion of sale of Global Connect business (known as NielsenIQ, the former AC Nielsen) to private equity firm Advent International.<ref name=":0" /> This transaction effectively turned Nielsen into a pure-play media audience measurement and analytics firm.

In March 2022, Nielsen announced that it had accepted a $16 billion offer from a group of private equity investors led by [[Elliott Investment Management]] subsidiary Evergreen Coast Capital Corp., and [[Brookfield Business Partners]].<ref name=AP>{{Cite news |title=Media measuring company Nielsen to be acquired in $16B deal |first=Michelle |last=Chapman |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=2022-03-29 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/bid-nielsen-tv-ratings-company-doubles-16b-83738039 |access-date=2022-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330231308/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/bid-nielsen-tv-ratings-company-doubles-16b-83738039 |archive-date=2022-03-30 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Nielsen board of directors had turned down an initial $9 billion offer from the investment consortium.<ref name=AP/> The transaction was completed in October 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nielsen Completes $16 Billion Sale to Private Equity Consortium |first=Jon |last=Lafayette |date=2022-10-11 |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nielsen-completes-dollar16-billion-sale-to-private-equity-consortium |access-date=2023-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011175907/https://www.nexttv.com/news/nielsen-completes-dollar16-billion-sale-to-private-equity-consortium |archive-date=2022-10-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Company information== [[File:NielsenMarkham3.jpg|thumb|Nielsen office in Canada]] Nielsen is a global, independent measurement and data company for [[Broadcast media|media]] business. With a presence in more than 100 countries and services covering more than 90% of the globe's GDP and population, Nielsen provides clients with data about what consumers watch (programming, [[advertising]]) on a global and local basis and how those choices intersect.<ref name="Nielsen 2015 Annual Report">{{cite web|url=http://ir.nielsen.com/files/online/annual/report/2015ar/index.htm|title=Nielsen 2015 Annual Report|website=Nielsen 2015 Annual Report}}</ref>

The company's operations span developing and emerging markets worldwide, in more than 100 countries. According to SEC records, on February 26, 2015, Nielsen N.V., announced that its board of directors unanimously approved a proposal that resulted in a change in the company's legal domicile, from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.<ref name="Location">[http://ir.nielsen.com/investor-relations/shareholder-information/press-releases/Press-Release-Details/2015/Nielsen-Proposes-To-Move-Incorporation-From-Netherlands-To-United-Kingdom/default.aspx Nielsen Proposes To Move Incorporation From Netherlands To United Kingdom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902120715/http://ir.nielsen.com/investor-relations/shareholder-information/press-releases/Press-Release-Details/2015/Nielsen-Proposes-To-Move-Incorporation-From-Netherlands-To-United-Kingdom/default.aspx |date=September 2, 2016 }} February 26, 2015</ref> Upon approval, the company became incorporated under English law and was registered as a public limited company to be named '''Nielsen Holdings PLC'''.<ref name="Nielsen Holdings PLC">[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1492633/000119312515066194/d881623d8k.htm SEC Record] February 26, 2015</ref>

Up to 2022, [[James Attwood]] Jr. was Nielsen's non-executive chairman, who succeeded Dave Calhoun as Executive Chairman in January 2016. Prior to joining Nielsen as CEO in 2006, Dave Calhoun served as Vice Chairman of the [[General Electric]] Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Infrastructure, the largest of six GE business units. He served as Nielsen CEO from 2006 to 2014, when he was succeeded by Mitch Barns.<ref>{{cite news |author-last=Thielman |author-first=Sam |title=Nielsen's Own Mitch Barns Will Succeed Outside Hire David Calhoun as CEO |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/television/nielsens-own-dwight-barns-will-succeed-outside-hire-david-calhoun-ceo-153658 |access-date=May 7, 2016 |work=AdWeek |date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> Barns joined Nielsen in 1997, and has held various roles in Europe, Asia, and North America leading major parts of the business.<ref>[http://ir.nielsen.com/investor-relations/shareholder-information/press-releases/Press-Release-Details/2013/Industry-Veteran-Mitch-Barns-to-Be-Nielsens-Next-Chief-Executive-Officer/default.aspx Industry Veteran Mitch Barns To Be Nielsen's Next Chief Executive Officer] November 6, 2013</ref>

On December 3, 2018, David Kenny was named CEO of Nielsen, succeeding Mitch Barns.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

In September 2023, Karthik Rao was named CEO of Nielsen, succeeding David Kenny who became Executive Chairman.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=2023-09-14 |title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Nielsen Names a New CEO Amid Swirling Change in Media Measurement |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nielsen-names-a-new-ceo-amid-swirling-change-in-media-measurement-db6c859e |access-date=2023-10-16 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>

While the Nielsen brand is most often associated with [[Audience measurement|television ratings]], those TV rating services comprise approximately one-quarter of the company's business and revenues. After substantial work to simplify the company over the last several years and divestment of [[NielsenIQ]] in 2021, Nielsen Holdings aligns its business into media audience measurement and analytics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Total Media Solutions |url=https://www.nielsen.com/solutions/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Nielsen |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Company history== ===Arthur C. Nielsen and the invention of "Market Share"=== [[Arthur C. Nielsen]] founded the [[AC Nielsen Company]] in August 1923<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/and-the-ordinary-people-said/2013/08/nielsen-company-90-years-celebration-reception-in-chicago-wednesday-auhust-21/ |title=Nielsen Company 90 Years Celebration Reception In Chicago Wednesday August 21 – And The Ordinary People Said |work=[[ChicagoNow]] |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=April 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Entertainment/cat_index_chicago_events/nielsen-celebrates-chicago-roots-with-90th-anniversary-party.php |title=Nielsen Celebrates Chicago Roots with 90th Anniversary Party – Splash Magazines – Los Angeles |work=Lasplash |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=April 12, 2016}}</ref> with the idea of selling engineering performance surveys. It was the first company to offer [[market research]].<ref name="Gillespie">Gillespie, Mary. "Nielsen makes viewers count by watching them watch TV." ''Chicago Sun-Times'', April 9, 1989</ref> The company expanded its business in 1932 by creating a retail index that tracked the flow of food and drug purchases. This was the first retail measurement of its kind and for the first time allowed a company to determine its "share" of the market—the origination of the concept of "[[market share]]"<ref name="Gillespie"/> Arthur C. Nielsen is credited with coining this business term.

===Radio and television=== In 1936, Arthur C. Nielsen acquired the Audimeter, which measured which [[radio station]]s a radio had been tuned to during the day. After tinkering with the device for a few years, the company created a national radio rating service in 1942.<ref name="Basler">Basler, Barbara. "A.C. Nielsen, Who Devised System That Rates TV Programs, Dead." ''The New York Times'', June 4, 1980</ref> The company collected information on which stations radios were tuned to in one thousand homes. Then, this survey data was sold to manufacturers who were interested in the popularity of programs and demographic information about listeners for advertising purposes. This was the birth of [[audience measurement]] that would become the most well-known part of Nielsen's business when applied to television.<ref name="Basler"/> Today, these are commonly referred to as "[[Nielsen ratings]]".

The company began measuring television audiences in 1950, at a time when the medium was just getting off the ground. Just as with radio, a sampling of homes across the U.S. was used to develop ratings. This information was collected on a device that was attached to a television that recorded what was being watched. In 1953, the company began sending out diaries to a smaller sample of homes ("Nielsen families") within the survey to have them record what they had watched.<ref name="Gillespie"/> This data was put together with information from the devices. This combination of data allowed the company to statistically estimate the number of Americans watching TV and the demographic breakdown of viewers.<ref name="Gillespie"/> This became an important tool for advertisers and networks.

In the 1980s, the company launched a new measurement device known as the "[[people meter]]". The device resembles a remote control with buttons for each individual family member and extras for guests. Viewers push a button to signify when they are in the room and push it again when they leave, even if the TV is still on. This form of measurement was intended to provide a more accurate picture of who was watching and when.<ref>Kaplan, Peter W. "Nielsen to Try New Audience-Survey Device." ''The New York Times'', October 16, 1985</ref>

In July 2008,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/business/media/08adco.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|title=Whichever Screen, People Are Watching |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 8, 2008 |access-date=November 30, 2015|last1=Stelter |first1=Brian }}</ref> Nielsen released the first in a series of quarterly reports, detailing video and TV usage across the 'three screens'&nbsp;– Television, Internet and Mobile devices. The A2/M2 Three Screen Report also includes trends in timeshifted viewing behavior and its relationship to online video viewing, a demographic breakdown of mobile video viewers and DVR penetration.

On September 30, 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2016/nielsen-launches-digital-content-ratings.html |title=Nielsen Launches Digital Content Ratings |publisher=Nielsen.com |date=September 27, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> Nielsen made its Digital Content Ratings available in full syndication for clients.

On September 9, 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2016/nielsen-to-deliver-all-electronic-measurement-to-local-tv-market-retire-tv-paper-diaries.html |title=Nielsen to Deliver All-Electronic Measurement to Local TV Markets in 2017 and Retire Paper TV Diaries in 140 Local Markets |publisher=Nielsen.com |date=September 14, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207031943/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2016/nielsen-to-deliver-all-electronic-measurement-to-local-tv-market-retire-tv-paper-diaries.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nielsen announced that it would retire its paper TV diaries by mid-2017 and provide all electronic measurement in its local television ratings.

===Private equity=== Nielsen was acquired by the [[Dun & Bradstreet|Dun & Bradstreet Company]] in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnb.com/us/about/company_story/dnbhistory.html |title=Learn about the company history of D&B and where we are today at DNB.com |access-date=July 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705214315/http://www.dnb.com/us/about/company_story/dnbhistory.html |archive-date=July 5, 2008 }}</ref> In 1996, D&B divided the company into two separate companies: [[Nielsen Media Research]], which was responsible for TV ratings, and [[AC Nielsen]], which was responsible for consumer shopping trends and box-office data.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deogun |first=Nikhil |date=2000-12-18 |title=VNU Could Pay up to $2.6 Billion For Purchase of ACNielsen Corp. – WSJ |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB9771033889366218 |access-date=2024-05-22 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1999, Nielsen Media Research was acquired by the Dutch publishing company [[Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeverijen|VNU]] (Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeverijen).<ref>Pope, Kyle. "VNU to Buy Nielsen Media for $2.5 Billion&nbsp;— Accord to Help Dutch Firm Speed Up Its Transition To Information Concern." ''The Wall Street Journal'', August 17, 1999</ref> VNU later acquired AC Nielsen and recombined the two businesses in 2001. In between, VNU sold off its newspaper properties to [[Wegener (company)|Wegener]] and its consumer magazines to [[Sanoma]]. The company's publishing arm also owned several publications including ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]], [https://www.adweek.com/ Adweek]'' and ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine. VNU combined the Nielsen properties with other research and data collection units including BASES, Claritas, HCI and Spectra. VNU also acquired companies that added to its measurement capabilities.

===Becoming a public company=== Nielsen was a private company from 2006 through 2011. On January 25, 2011, the company listed itself on the New York Stock Exchange and issued an initial public offering (IPO) that raised $1.8 billion in the largest private equity-backed U.S. IPO since 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-25/nielsen-s-ipo-may-give-kkr-carlyle-thomas-h-lee-29-profit.html |work=Bloomberg |author-first=Lee |author-last=Spears |title=Nielsen Holdings, Demand Media Shares Gain After IPOs |date=January 26, 2011}}</ref>

===Mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances and divestitures===

==== 2004 ==== Nielsen began a joint venture called AGB Nielsen Media Research with [[WPP Group]]'s AGB Group, a European competitor which provides similar services.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB109171896937283875 |title=WPP and VNU Form TV-Ratings Joint Venture |date=August 6, 2004 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref>

==== 2006 ==== VNU acquired a majority stake in Buzzmetrics, a company which measures consumer-generated media online. Under the new ownership, Nielsen bought the remaining shares of the company in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title = Nielsen to Acquire Remaining Shares of BuzzMetrics|url = https://www.clickz.com/nielsen-to-acquire-remaining-shares-of-buzzmetrics/81420/ |first = Zachary |last = Rodgers|work = ClickZ|date = 1 May 2007}}</ref> In the same year, Nielsen acquired Telephia, which measures mobile media,<ref>[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6467650.html Dickson, Glen and Eggerton, John. "Nielsen Closes on Telephia Deal"]. ''Broadcasting & Cable'' August 10, 2007</ref> and Bilesim Medya, a Turkish advertising intelligence firm.<ref>{{cite book |title= Plunkett's Advertising and Branding Industry Almanac 2008: Advertising and Branding Industry Market Research, Statistics, Trends and Leading Companies |author-last=Plunket |author-first=Jack W. |date=2008 |publisher= Plunkett Research, Ltd. |isbn=978-1-59392-109-5}}</ref> VNU was acquired by a group of six private equity firms: the American [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]], [[Thomas H. Lee Partners]], [[Blackstone Group]], [[Carlyle Group]] and [[Hellman & Friedman]], and Dutch equity firm [[AlpInvest Partners]]<ref>Singer, Jason and Berman, Dennis K. "VNU Gets Board Approval for Sale To Group of Private-Equity Firms." ''The Wall Street Journal'', March 8, 2006</ref> for £5bn.<ref name="vnubpl" /> In the same year, the group hired David L. Calhoun, formerly of [[General Electric]], as CEO.<ref name="money"/> He renamed VNU as The Nielsen Company in 2007. VNU sold its business publications division for €320m (£210m) to venture capital group [[3i]], which then sold the UK division (VNU Business Publications Ltd) to [[Incisive Media]].<ref name= "vnubpl">[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2803926/Incisive-to-buy-VNU-Business-Publications.html Incisive to buy VNU Business Publications], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', February 6, 2007</ref>

==== 2007 ==== In June, Nielsen acquired Telephia, a provider of syndicated consumer research to the telecom and mobile media markets.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/business/media/28adco.html |title=Nielsen Adds to Cellphone Tracking |date=June 28, 2007 |work=[[The New York Times]] |last=Story |first=Louise |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022112832/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/business/media/28adco.html |archive-date= Oct 22, 2023 }}</ref>

==== 2008 ==== Nielsen acquired IAG Research which measures viewer engagement with TV commercials.<ref>Elliott, Stuart. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B03E7D81F3AF93BA35757C0A96E9C8B63&scp=1&sq=nielsen%27s+latest+purchase&st=nyt "Nielsen's Latest Purchase is Audience Research Firm"]. ''[[The New York Times]]'', April 8, 2008</ref> The same year, Nielsen made a strategic investment in [[NeuroFocus]], a California firm applying neuroscience brainwave techniques for consumer research. The firm was later fully acquired by Nielsen in 2011<ref>Holmes, Gary (February 7, 2008). [http://www.nielsenmedia.com/nc/portal/site/Public/menuitem.55dc65b4a7d5adff3f65936147a062a0/?vgnextoid=09d160772bfe7110VgnVCM100000ac0a260aRCRD "Nielsen Makes Strategic Investment in NeuroFocus, an Innovative Leader in Neuromarketing Research"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216101329/http://www.nielsenmedia.com/nc/portal/site/Public/menuitem.55dc65b4a7d5adff3f65936147a062a0/?vgnextoid=09d160772bfe7110VgnVCM100000ac0a260aRCRD |date=February 16, 2008 }}. Nielsen Media Research</ref> In 2009 and 2010, Nielsen sold its business magazines; its well-known entertainment properties went to the new company [[e5 Global Media]].

==== 2009 ==== Nielsen acquired The Cambridge Group, a [[management consulting]] firm headquartered in Chicago. The firm researches latent and emerging consumer demand.

==== 2010 ==== In June, Nielsen paired with [[McKinsey & Company]] to create the social media consulting company [[NM Incite]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.clickz.com/nielsen-pairs-with-mckinsey-for-social-media-consulting/55436/ |title = Nielsen Pairs With McKinsey for Social Media Consulting |first = Kate|last = Kaye|date = 14 June 2010|work = ClickZ}}</ref><ref>[http://blogs.forrester.com/zach_hofer_shall/10-06-14-nielsen_joins_forces_mckinsey_social_intelligence_consulting Zach Hofer-Shall "Nielsen Joins Forces With McKinsey For Social Intelligence Consulting"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617225648/http://blogs.forrester.com/zach_hofer_shall/10-06-14-nielsen_joins_forces_mckinsey_social_intelligence_consulting |date=June 17, 2010 }} "Forrester Blogs" June 14, 2010</ref> NM Incite had operations in 13 global markets, including: US, UK, [[Germany]], Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Canada and Korea.<ref>[http://www.nmincite.com/?page_id=311] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818203219/http://www.nmincite.com/?page_id=311|date=August 18, 2010}}</ref>

==== 2011 ==== In August, Nielsen acquired Marketing Analytics, Inc.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

==== 2012 ==== In February, Nielsen launched [[The Demand Institute]] in collaboration with [[The Conference Board]]. The Demand Institute is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization. In July, Nielsen acquired the advertising tech company Vizu. The acquisition was made so that Nielsen can better analyze the effectiveness of online advertisement.<ref>Ha, Anthony. July 2, 2012. [https://techcrunch.com/2012/07/02/nielsen-acquires-vizu/ "Nielsen Acquires Vizu To Measure Online Ad Effectiveness"]</ref> In November, Nielsen acquired SocialGuide, a provider of social TV measurement, analytics and audience engagement solutions.<ref>[http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2012/nielsen-nm-incite-acquire-socialguide.html Nielsen, NM Incite Acquire Socialguide] November 12, 2012</ref> On December 17, 2012, Nielsen disclosed that it would acquire [[Arbitron]], a company primarily involved in [[radio]] audience measurement, for $1.3 billion. The successful acquisition was completed on September 30, 2013.<ref name="Nielsen NV press release">{{cite web |title=NIELSEN ACQUIRES ARBITRON |url=http://ir.nielsen.com/investor-relations/shareholder-information/press-releases/Press-Release-Details/2013/Nielsen-Acquires-Arbitron/default.aspx |publisher=Nielsen |access-date=September 30, 2013}}</ref>

==== 2013 ==== On June 17, 2013, Nielsen announced that Onex Corp (TSX: OCX) had completed the acquisition of Nielsen Expositions for $950 million in cash consideration. Nielsen Expositions operated tradeshows in the United States. The company was renamed Emerald Expositions Inc. after the transaction.

==== 2014 ==== On February 3, 2014, Nielsen announced the acquisition of Harris Interactive, Inc. (NASDAQ:HPOL). This allowed Nielsen to take ownership of ''[[The Harris Poll]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2014/harris-interactive-joins-nielsen.html |title=Harris Interactive Joins Nielsen |website=Nielsen.com |access-date=November 30, 2015}}</ref> Later on February 26, 2014, Nielsen acquired Nexium, a retail in-store execution and sales analytics company.<ref>[http://www.nielsen.com/uk/en/press-room/2014/Nielsen-bolsters-shopper-marketing-credentials-with-acquisition-of-Nexium0.html Nielsen Bolsters Shopper Marketing Credentials With Acquisition Of Nexium] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008220303/http://www.nielsen.com/uk/en/press-room/2014/Nielsen-bolsters-shopper-marketing-credentials-with-acquisition-of-Nexium0.html |date=October 8, 2016 }} February 26, 2014</ref> On September 18, 2014 Nielsen announced the acquisition of Indicus Analytics Pvt Ltd. On October 8, 2014, Nielsen acquired Affinnova, an international media and marketing research firm. The Affinnova team joins Nielsen's legacy BASES team to form Nielsen's Innovation Practice area.<ref name="nielsenaffinnova">{{cite web |title=Nielsen Acquires Affinnova |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2014/nielsen-acquires-affinnova.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107010133/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2014/nielsen-acquires-affinnova.html |archive-date=2014-11-07 |access-date=May 27, 2015 |publisher=The Nielsen Company}}</ref>

==== 2015 ==== On January 22, 2015, Nielsen acquired Brandbank, specialized in the process of digitally collecting, managing and distributing FMCG product and brand image content for retail syndication across in-store, print promotional and e-commerce platforms.<ref>[http://www.nielsen.com/uk/en/press-room/2015/nielsen-brandbank.html Nielsen Acquires Brandbank] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130074417/http://www.nielsen.com/uk/en/press-room/2015/nielsen-brandbank.html |date=January 30, 2015 }} January 22, 2015</ref> On March 4, 2015, Nielsen announced the acquisition of Exelate, a provider of data and technology to facilitate the buying and selling of advertising across programmatic platforms.<ref name="nielsenexelate">{{cite web |title=Nielsen Acquires Exelate |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2015/nielsen-acquires-exelate.html |publisher=The Nielsen Company |access-date=August 4, 2015 |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212001232/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2015/nielsen-acquires-exelate.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On May 27, 2015, Nielsen acquired Innerscope Research, which specialized in [[consumer neuroscience]] using [[biometrics]], eye tracking and facial coding. Nielsen renamed its combined offering as Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience, and named Carl Marci as Chief Neuroscientist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nielsen Doubles Down On Neuro |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/2015/06/03/nielsen-doubles-down-on-neuro/ |access-date=September 30, 2015 |author-first=Roger |author-last=Dooley|website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref>

==== 2016 ==== On March 3, 2016, Nielsen acquired Pointlogic, in marketing decision support systems.<ref>[http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2016/nielsen-acquires-pointlogic.html Nielsen Acquires Pointlogic] March 3, 2016</ref> On March 10, 2016, Nielsen acquired Mumbai-based mobile usage measurer Informate Mobile Intelligence for an undisclosed amount.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/51341340.cms Nielsen buys Mumbai-based mobile usage measurer Informate Mobile Intelligence] March 10, 2016</ref> On June 21, 2016, Nielsen acquired Repucom, a sports measurement, evaluation and intelligence company based in [[Stamford, Connecticut]].<ref>[http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2016/nielsen-completes-acquisition-of-repucom.html Nielsen Completes Acquisition Of Repucom] June 21, 2016</ref> On December 20, 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2016/nielsen-acquires-gracenote.html |title=Nielsen Acquires Gracenote |publisher=Nielsen.com |date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> Nielsen announced its agreement with Tribune Media Company to purchase [[Gracenote]], a provider of media and entertainment metadata.

==== 2017 ==== On January 5, 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/carlyle-group-completes-acquisition-claritas-120000181.html |title=The Carlyle Group Completes Acquisition of Claritas from Nielsen |access-date=February 6, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207031654/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/carlyle-group-completes-acquisition-claritas-120000181.html |archive-date=February 7, 2017 }}</ref> [[The Carlyle Group]] acquired Claritas from Nielsen. On January 20, 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milliot |first=Jim |date=2017-01-20 |title=NPD Buys Nielsen's Book Services |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/industry-deals/article/72549-npd-buys-nielsen-s-book-services.html |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Publishers Weekly]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Circana|The NPD Group]] acquired the US assets of [[BookScan|Nielsen BookScan]]. On January 23, 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stagwell-media-llc-to-relaunch-harris-brand-including-the-harris-poll-300394902.html |title=Stagwell Media LLC To Relaunch Harris Brand, Including The Harris Poll |publisher=Prnewswire.com |date=March 16, 2017 |access-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> the Stagwell Group announced that it acquired Nielsen's Harris brand and the Harris Poll through its Stagwell Media LLC. On February 1, 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2017/nielsen-completes-acquisition-of-gracenote|title=Nielsen Completes Acquisition of Gracenote|website=www.nielsen.com}}</ref> Nielsen completed its acquisition of Gracenote. On February 23, 2017, Nielsen acquired Rhiza, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based media and consumer analytics software firm.

==== 2019 ==== In December 2019, Nielsen music data business was sold to [[MRC (company)|Valence Media]] (then parent company of ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', another former Nielsen business). The transaction includes [[Broadcast Data Systems|Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems]], Music 360, and [[Luminate (company)|Nielsen SoundScan]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steele |first=Anne |date=December 18, 2019 |title=Billboard Parent Buys Nielsen Music |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/billboard-parent-buys-nielsen-music-11576670400 |access-date=July 22, 2020 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-18 |title=Nielsen Sells Music Division To Billboard Magazine Owner. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/free/nielsen-sells-music-division-to-billboard-magazine-owner/article_44b7bdcc-21d5-11ea-9bc9-13a66c394630.html |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Insideradio.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2021 ==== On March 5, 2021, Nielsen Holdings announced the completion of sale of Global Connect business (the former AC Nielsen) to private equity firm Advent International.<ref name=":0" />

On July 8, 2021, Nielsen acquired TVTY, a TV attribution provider and ad monitoring company based in Paris, France, for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-releases/2021/nielsen-strengthens-market-leading-position-in-tv-attribution-and-ad-intelligence-with-acquisition-of-tvty/ |title=Nielsen strengthens market leading position in TV attribution and ad intelligence with acquisition of TVTY |publisher=nielsen.com |date=July 8, 2021 }}</ref>

==== 2026 ==== In 2025, the company announced its divestiture of business in [[South Africa]], to take place by September 2026, permanently closing its [[Johannesburg]] office. Nielsen had furnished data for local industry, as well as the Broadcast Research Council’s Television Audience and the Radio Audience Measurement Surveys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=7 major international companies exit South Africa in 2025 |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/846666/7-major-international-companies-exit-south-africa-in-2025/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Another major international company quitting South Africa |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/836618/another-major-international-company-quitting-south-africa/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeverijen=== [[File:VNU logo.svg|thumb|Logo]] '''{{lang|nl|Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeverijen}}''' ('''VNU''', literally "United Dutch Publishers", founded 1964) was a [[Dutch language|Dutch]] [[publishing]] company with products including European [[consumer]] magazines, [[Netherlands|Dutch]] regional newspapers, business publications in the European and North American markets, and educational publications.<ref name="fu"/>

In 1997, VNU acquired the directory publishing business of ITT Sheraton (ITT World Directories) for $2.1 billion; the business was renamed VNU World Directories.<ref name="fu">{{citation|title = International Directory of Company Histories| volume=27|publisher = St. James Press|year= 1999|url = http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/VNU-NV-Company-History.html| work = www.fundinguniverse.com}}</ref>

VNU acquired Nielsen Media Research, part of the former AC Nielsen Company, in 1999.<ref>Pope, Kyle. “VNU to Buy Nielsen Media for $2.5 Billion — Accord to Help Dutch Firm Speed Up Its Transition To Information Concern.” ''The Wall Street Journal'', August 17, 1999</ref> It was the owner of the [[Hungary|Hungarian]] business magazine ''[[Figyelő]]'' in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Rita M. Csapo-Sweet|author2=Ildiko Kaposi|title=Mass Media in Post-Communist Hungary|journal=International Communications Bulletin|date=Spring 1999|volume=34|issue=1–2|url=http://userpages.umbc.edu/~hasegawa/aejmc-icd/spring99/mediainhungary.html|access-date=27 December 2014}}</ref>

In 2000, VNU acquired [[Miller Freeman, Inc.]] from [[United News & Media]] for a reported price of $650 million.<ref name="VNU-aq">Staff (31 July 2000) '"VNU Acquires Miller Freeman From United News & Media" ''Business Publisher'' 15(1): p.1;</ref> VNU merged much of the purchased Miller Freeman assets into VNU Expositions. VNU subsequently divested themselves of a few former Miller Freeman assets.<ref>Staff (31 January 2002) "New company acquires titles from CMP Media: UP Media Group acquires PCB Group from CMP Media" ''Business Publisher'' 16(12): p. 1-2;</ref>

VNU announced a heavy restructuring of its technology news portal, VNUNet, in February 2001. Ten employees were laid off due to the plan.<ref name=vnunet>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/feb/23/newmedia.internet | title=VNUNet.com cuts staff in restructure | author=Vickers, Amy | date=February 23, 2001 | work=[[The Guardian]] | access-date=July 22, 2019 }}</ref> The company disposed of its entire magazine publishing arm later in 2001 to [[Sanoma]] for €1.25 million, and sold its newspaper properties to [[Wegener (company)|Wegener]]. Focusing instead on market research and data collection, it acquired AC Nielsen in 2001, recombining the two halves of the former Nielsen business, and added other research and data collection units including BASES, Claritas, HCI and Spectra. In 2006, the company was acquired by a consortium of six investors for €28.75 per share, a sum of €7.5 billion.<ref>{{citation|url = http://rtl.nl/components/financien/rtlz/2006/weken_2006/10/08-vnu-geschiedenis.xml| title=Historie van de Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgevers|publisher = [[RTL Nederland]]| work = rtl.nl|access-date = 29 September 2011| language= nl}}</ref> In the same year, the group hired [[David L. Calhoun]], formerly of [[General Electric]], as CEO.<ref name="money">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080225220425/http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/18/news/newsmakers/siklos_calhoun.fortune/index.htm Siklos, Richard. “Made to Measure”], ''Fortune Magazine'', CNN Money, February 20, 2008. Retrieved September 29, 2011.</ref>

In 2004, [[Truvo|VNU World Directories]] was sold to [[Apax Partners]] and [[Cinven]].<ref>[http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/e16dea34-127c-11d9-863e-00000e2511c8.html#axzz2ghjWdTZD Apax and Cinven set to win £1.4bn fight for VNU arm]</ref> VNU sold its business publications division in 2006 for €320m (£210m) to venture capital group [[3i]], which then sold the UK division (VNU Business Publications Ltd) to [[Incisive Media]].<ref name=vnubpl/>

The company was renamed '''The Nielsen Company''' in 2007.<ref>{{citation|url=http://hk.nielsen.com/news/20070122.shtml| title = VNU Changing Name to The Nielsen Company| date = 22 January 2007| work = hk.nielsen.com}}</ref>

==Corporate affairs and culture== [[FIFA]] signed up with Nielsen to provide official market research for the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup]] and the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]].<ref name="Nielsen FIFA">{{cite web |title=Nielsen to provide official market research for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and 2018 FIFA World Cup |url=https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2016/m=10/news=nielsen-to-provide-official-market-research-for-the-fifa-confederation-2841215.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013171537/http://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2016/m=10/news=nielsen-to-provide-official-market-research-for-the-fifa-confederation-2841215.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 13, 2016 |work=[[FIFA]] |access-date=October 24, 2016}}</ref>

==See also== *[[NielsenIQ|NIQ]] *[[Council for Research Excellence]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.nielsen.com}} {{in lang|en|fr|de|es|it|pl|pt|id|ja|zh|ko|sv}} {{Finance links historical | name = Nielsen Holdings plc | symbol = NLSN | sec_cik = 1492633 }} *[http://www.nielsenwire.com Nielsen Wire] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122044514/http://www.nielsenwire.com/ |date=November 22, 2008 }} — Nielsen news blog *[http://sites.nielsen.com/90years Nielsen 90 Year Timeline] *[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1019878/000119312507139947/dex21.htm List of subsidiaries of The Nielsen Company B.V.] — [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]]

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