NielsenIQ

About NielsenIQ

The story of NielsenIQ begins in 1923, when Arthur C. Nielsen Sr., an electrical engineer, founded a company in Chicago to provide marketers with objective information about their sales programs. A key innovation was the concept of "market share," which Nielsen himself coined. This idea of measuring a brand's sales against the total category became a fundamental tool in business. The company, originally known as A.C. Nielsen, grew steadily, expanding internationally as early as 1939. Over the decades, it passed through various owners, including Dun & Bradstreet. A significant moment came in March 2021, when Nielsen Holdings sold its consumer data business to the private equity firm Advent International for $2.7 billion. This transaction established the business as a standalone company, rebranding it as NielsenIQ to reflect a renewed focus on consumer intelligence. Under new ownership, NielsenIQ has continued to evolve. In 2023, the company merged with GfK, a German market research firm, further expanding its global footprint and data capabilities, particularly in technology and durable goods. Today, operating in over 100 countries, NielsenIQ provides data on consumer purchasing behavior to help retailers and brands make informed decisions.