Informa snaps up Clarion Events in £2.2bn deal with Blackstone

Informa, the digital services giant, has acquired Clarion Events, the world's largest privately owned event and exhibition organizer, in a multi-billion pound deal with private equity firm Blackstone. The FTSE 100 group announced the acquisition of Clarion Events, headquartered in London, for £2.2 billion from Blackstone. This acquisition adds over 100 business-to-business live event brands to Informa's portfolio, including IFA Berlin, the International Casino Exhibition, and the Defence & Security Equipment International.

The deal will be financed through the net proceeds from a £940 million equity placement, carried out in partnership with Retailbook. Informa will also suspend its ongoing share buyback program as part of the takeover. Following the acquisition, the group anticipates generating £4.2 billion in annual revenue from live events by 2027.

The combined entity is expected to increase profit per share by a mid-single digit range by 2027 and save £50 million in overlapping costs, along with adding roughly £25 million in additional income, by 2029.

In addition to the Clarion deal, Informa has announced plans to separate its academic markets arm, Taylor & Francis, which is currently valued at $1 billion and growing at four percent annually. CEO Stephen Carter stated that the firm believes this move will provide greater flexibility and freedom for Taylor & Francis as Informa continues to expand its B2B portfolio. The company is currently reviewing all options for the separation and plans to announce the outcome alongside its 2026 full-year results.

This acquisition follows a series of recent deals as Informa has strengthened its events and digital services presence. In October 2024, the company bought Ascential for £1.2 billion, adding the Cannes Lions International Festival and Money 20/20 to its portfolio. In December 2023, Informa merged its tech business with US-based TechTarget to bolster its marketing offering.