Informa has agreed to acquire Clarion Events from private equity firm Blackstone in a £2.24bn deal, bringing together two major international exhibition and trade show organisers.
The acquisition will add more than 100 specialist event brands to Informa’s portfolio, including consumer electronics show IFA Berlin, defence and security exhibition DSEI, and gaming industry event ICE Barcelona.
Following the deal, Informa’s B2B live events business is expected to generate annual revenues of more than £4.2bn across around 1,000 specialist brands in more than 30 countries.
The transaction is expected to complete towards the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Clarion chief executive Lisa Hannant will remain in her role and join Informa’s executive leadership team.
Informa said Clarion’s portfolio would strengthen its presence in electronics, defence and security, and gaming, while expanding its existing technology and energy events business. It will also increase the group’s reach in Europe, North America and Asia.
The company plans to use its international network to launch Clarion brands in new markets, particularly India, the Middle East and Africa. It also identified opportunities to expand sponsorship, digital services and partnerships with hotels and host cities.
Stephen A. Carter, group chief executive of Informa, said: “The planned separation of Taylor & Francis coincides with further expansion in B2B through the £2.24bn acquisition of Clarion, the UK-based owner of more than 100 B2B Live Event brands.”
The deal follows Informa’s acquisition of Ascential in 2024, which brought Cannes Lions and Money20/20 into the group.
Alongside the Clarion announcement, Informa confirmed plans to separate its academic publishing business, Taylor & Francis, as it focuses on its core B2B operations. The group is reviewing options for the business and expects to announce the outcome in March 2027.
Informa has also raised approximately £940m through a share issue to help fund the Clarion acquisition, with the remainder financed through acquisition funding.