IAS to be acquired by Novacap for nearly $2 billion

Technology company Integral Ad Science (IAS) is being acquired by North American private equity firm Novacop, in a deal valued at $1.9bn. 

As part of the deal, IAS shareholders will receive $10.30 per share in cash, a 22% premium to the 23 September 2025 closing price. IAS will become a privately held company and shares will no longer trade publicly.

Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS, said: “Today's announcement is an exciting milestone for IAS. As a private company with the support of Novacap, we will have access to new resources to achieve our strategic goals and further build upon the differentiated value we bring our customers as we advance our mission to be the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality.

“I'm proud of the strong momentum we've built for our company, the strength of our AI-powered measurement and optimisation platform, and the outstanding work of our employees."

IAS will continue operating under its current name and brand, with Novacap planning to support IAS’s AI-first technology investments and global growth.

Vista Equity Partners, a current shareholder which helped IAS scale its AI platform and customer base, will exit its investment upon the deal’s closure.

Michael Fosnaugh, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Vista Equity Partners' Flagship Fund, and Chairman of IAS's Board of Directors, said: “IAS has established itself as the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality.

“Through our partnership, IAS expanded its AI-powered platform, deepened customer relationships and scaled into a true category leader. We're excited for Lisa and her team as they continue that journey with Novacap."

The transaction was unanimously approved by IAS’s board and is expected to close by the end of 2025.

“We look forward to partnering closely with IAS to accelerate its pace of innovation to deliver even more powerful advertising solutions for customers around the world."

The story first appeared on Campaign's sister title Performance Marketing World.