Vestar Capital and New Mountain Capital-backed Information Resources, a provider of innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, completed the merger with Hellman & Friedman-backed The NPD Group, a global provider of market information and advisory services, in a $5bn deal. "We are excited about the prospect of combining our companies to give clients the tools and information they need to succeed amid changing consumer behavior. Both NPD and IRI share similar client-focused, innovative and collaborative cultures, making this combination a natural fit," Karyn Schoenbart, NPD CEO.