Dynata
Dynata provides first-party data of users participating in member-based panels that the business organizes and maintains. Its headquarters are in Connecticut, USA, and was established in 1940. Dynata has a long history of various M&As of separate enterprises, which in 2019 underwent a rebranding to become Dynata.
It has a reach of more than 60 million people worldwide and a library of unique profile features gathered through surveys. The company provides data services and solutions to add the voice of the customer to different marketing aspects like market research, advertising, etc.
It provides a wide array of survey services and is one of the leading vendors for B2B sample in the US.
In the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Dynata provides services to close to 6,000 market research businesses, media and advertising firms, consulting & investment companies, healthcare providers, and corporate clients.
Dynata financing, debt and Chapter 11
Dynata raised $440M in 2015 of debt from CPP Investments. It acquired Branded Research Inc and Optimus Analytics in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
As many PE-backed market research firms including Sago, GLG, and Big Village, Dynata suffered under its debt load in recent years. Its debt was successively downgraded during the pandemic years of rising interest rates.
In February 2024, Dynata failed to settle a full interest payment, and began negotiating with its lenders. In May 2024, the company was reported to be "exploring bankruptcy", then filed for Chapter 11 with a total debt load of $1.3 billion and ~$600m annual revenues.
Dynata reemerges with fresh capital
Just a few weeks later, Dynata reemerged with support from large financiers including Bain Capital and Blackrock. The deal wiped the equity holders, cut the debt by 40% and infused $81.5m of fresh capital. The deal helped Dynata transition smoothly out of Chapter 11, and continue servicing its clients with little or no disruptions.