WPP could sell majority of Kantar

The advertising group said last month that it was reviewing its strategic options over Kantar’s ownership and that plans to sell a stake in the market research company had been approved by the WPP board.

Speaking at a conference in Barcelona on Thursday ( 15 November), WPP chief financial officer Paul Richardson said the size of WPP’s remaining stake in Kantar could range from 20% to 49% depending on the price, according to Market Watch.

The company has also identified smaller disposal targets that it is looking to offload as it cuts its debt-to-earnings ratio, Richardson said.

In late October, WPP chief executive Mark Read said WPP needed to make “tough choices” over Kantar’s future, with the best option being to sell a stake to a strategic or financial partner.