LOS ANGELES & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MarketCast, LLC (“MarketCast,”or the “Company”), the leading provider of strategic insights and data analytics to marketers and researchers in the global entertainment industry, and Kohlberg & Company LLC (“Kohlberg”), a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York, today announced that Kohlberg has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the ownership interest in MarketCast held by RLJ Equity Partners, LLC (“RLJ”) and State Street Global Advisors.

“Through its broad suite of innovative, data-driven products and services, scalable, worldwide infrastructure, and absolute dedication to exceeding customer expectations, MarketCast is uniquely positioned to serve the growing demands of the global entertainment marketplace”

MarketCast works in collaboration with clients across the entertainment spectrum to test and optimize their content, marketing, and distribution strategies. The Company maintains long-standing relationships with all of the major motion picture studios, as well as the leading broadcast, cable, and over-the-top (“OTT”) programmers and networks. Core services, applied worldwide, include testing of marketing materials and messaging as well as strategic research and advisory services related to market positioning, branding, franchise extensions, and sequel development.

“The MarketCast management team is highly enthusiastic about this new chapter for the Company,”said Henry P. Shapiro, CEO of MarketCast. “Kohlberg has a 30-year proven track record of successfully investing in leading service-based businesses with a focus toward long-term growth. Kohlberg represents a strongly capitalized partner that will enable MarketCast to continue to invest in new products and services, and in expanding our footprint into new and emerging forms of entertainment content, distribution, and marketing, worldwide.”

“Through its broad suite of innovative, data-driven products and services, scalable, worldwide infrastructure, and absolute dedication to exceeding customer expectations, MarketCast is uniquely positioned to serve the growing demands of the global entertainment marketplace,”commented Ahmed I. Wahla, a Kohlberg Partner. “We see tremendous growth opportunities for MarketCast, both organically and through strategic acquisition, and look forward to partnering with management in the next phase of the Company’s development.”

“We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the MarketCast team, and assist the Company through a period of rapid expansion and success. We are confident that the Company will continue its growth trajectory in partnership with Kohlberg,”commented Jerry Johnson, a Managing Director at RLJ.

The transaction is expected to close in November 2016. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Lazard Middle Market served as financial advisor to MarketCast. DLA Piper LLP and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP served as legal counsel to MarketCast and its management team. Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel to Kohlberg.