IDG to divest Foundry, what’s next for IDC?

Bit of news tonight as it seems asset manager Blackstone might be nearing a sale (via Axios) of its media and GTM business Foundry.

This is very much to be confirmed but interestingly comes after Informa went the other way and combined its IT research business Omdia with Techtarget –we just had an update for IIAR> members last week, check the replay here.

Why does this matter for analyst relations professionals?

• Why this divestment now? IDC and IDG (before it was called Foundry) operated quite separately under Pat McGovern and under China Oceanwide ownership. Following the Blackstone takeover, there were efforts to create synergies between the media and IT research arms. It is reasonable to question whether those efforts did not bear fruits, leading to the divesture of the media arm?
• This sale will free-up capital which could be reinvested in IDG’s ICT research business, IDC –a favourite of IIAR> professionals.
• This investment could be used towards bolstering IDC’s end-user business, a stated direction and this time not an April Fool!
• Very speculatively, there’s also been much chatter by industry observers on Forrester’s recent lacklustre performance and IDC could well end-up making a bid for the prestigious research firm –should its Founder and CEO George Colony agree to a sale.
• Another option could also that this carve out is just a prelude to the sale of IDC to another party?

Should AR professionals reappraise their strategy towards IDC?

• IDC is a formidable player in the ICT research business, part of the FIG triumvirate second only to Gartner and ahead of Forrester. It has between 800 to 1,300 analysts and very strong position in data –its trackers are the industry’s reference–, custom GTM solutions, local presence, etc.
• That footprint is considerable and so is its client base, brand recognition and media presence. Its analysts often go very deep in some segments.
• Whilst FUD is not good for business, AR professionals should keep a cool head, monitor the evolving situation but no immediate actions are necessary as any investors will have keen interest in preserving and growing the business.

Other posts about IDC

• IIAR> Analyst Firm Webinar : IDC- Highlights (02/26)
• IIAR> Analyst Firm Webinar: IDC (02/26)
• And the winners are… Celebrating the IIAR> Awards recipients for 2025 (12/25)
• Celebrating Excellence: IIAR> AOTY & ARPOTY 2025 Awards Launch (12/25)
• Expanding AR’s Toolbox: Non-traditional AR Services (05/25)
• IDG to divest Foundry, what’s next for IDC?
• The Wait is Over! Announcing the IIAR> Award Winners for 2024.
• IIAR> Webinar: top 5 lessons from the 2023 IIAR> Awards winners
• The GenAR Awards are in! Announcing the 2023 IIAR> Awards winners.
• IIAR> Discussion Group + Viewpoints: Forrester Pricing and Negotiation (and other firms)