Nielsen to raise $2 billion through IPO

Nielsen

Nielsen, the world's largest TV and consumer measurement company, is to raise up to $2.01 billion through an initial public offering, more than the $1.75 billion it was originally aiming for, the company has said in a U.S. regulatory filing.

Nielsen was originally taken private back in 2006, after a $10 billion deal backed by a consortium of six private equity firms - Carlyle Group, Blackstone Group LP, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, Thomas H. Lee Partners, AlpInvest Partners and Hellman & Friedman.

However in June, the company said it planned to raise up to $1.75 billion through an IPO, and that amount has now been increased to $2.01 billion.

As such, private equity firms are said to be looking to take the firm public as they look to exit investments and reap dividends for investors. This news coupled with plunging stock markets means that a number of media-related companies are now seemingly taking the public route to avoid collapse.

In August, Internet company Demand Media Inc filed to raise up to $125 million, while Internet phone services provider Skype, filed to raise $100 million. It is also rumoured that web video service Hulu is also said to be planning an IPO.

Nielsen profits

Despite the IPO, Nielsen has seen solid growth and reported revenue of $1.27 billion for the second quarter, an increase of 7 percent from the year-ago period. Operating income was $182 million, compared with $172 million last year.

The company is expected to use the money for the IPO to pay off debt, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

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