Informa, the FTSE 100 digital services giant, has agreed to acquire Clarion Events from private equity firm Blackstone in a £2.2bn deal.
Clarion Events holds the distinction of being the world’s largest privately owned event and exhibition organiser, headquartered in London.
The acquisition brings more than 100 business-to-business live event brands under the Informa umbrella, significantly expanding its global footprint.
Among the brands joining Informa’s portfolio are IFA Berlin, the world’s largest consumer electronics and home appliances trade show, and the International Casino Exhibition.
The Defence and Security Equipment International, held biennially at London’s ExCel centre, also forms part of the Clarion portfolio transferring to Informa.
To fund the transaction, Informa has completed a £940m equity placement done in partnership with Retailbook, with the remainder drawn from existing resources.
As part of the deal’s terms, Informa will pause its current share buyback programme while the acquisition is completed and integrated.
Following the purchase, Informa expects its annual revenue from live events to reach £4.2bn, cementing its position as a dominant force in the sector.
By 2027, the transaction is projected to increase earnings per share by mid-single digits, with combined cost savings of £50m expected by 2029 alongside approximately £25m in additional income.
Alongside the Clarion announcement, Informa revealed plans to separate its academic markets division, which operates under the Taylor and Francis brand.
Taylor and Francis is approaching $1bn in annual revenue and currently growing at four per cent per year, prompting the group to consider giving it greater independence.
“We believe it will now benefit from greater flexibility and freedom through the next phase of its development, as Informa further expands the depth and reach of its B2B portfolio,” said Stephen Carter, Informa’s chief executive.
The company has launched a formal review process covering all separation options, with results expected to be announced alongside its 2026 full-year results.
The Clarion acquisition is the latest in a series of major deals Informa has pursued in recent years as it aggressively builds out its events and digital services capabilities.
In October 2024, the group acquired Ascential for £1.2bn, adding Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and Money 20/20 to its growing portfolio of premium event brands.
Later that same year, in December 2024, Informa merged its technology business with US-based TechTarget, strengthening its position in the B2B marketing and data services market.