Informa agrees to buy Clarion Events for GBP2.24 billion (US$2.97bn)

Informa Group Plc has agreed to acquire Clarion Events for GBP2.24 billion (US$2.97 billion), the company announced to the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday 7 October 2026. The purchase will be partially financed by a share issue intended to raise gross proceeds of GBP940 million.

Deal details: Informa buys Clarion Events

The transaction makes Clarion Events, a UK private company that stages B2B trade shows and conferences across multiple sectors, a subsidiary of Informa, the London-listed group specialising in publishing, business intelligence and trade exhibitions. Informa disclosed the deal as part of several updates filed with the London Stock Exchange on the same day.

Clarion Events owns more than 100 B2B event brands and its portfolio includes the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) Barcelona. The next edition of ICE Barcelona is scheduled for 18 to 20 January 2027.

How the deal will be financed and immediate timetable

Informa said it will utilise a share issuance to raise GBP940 million of gross proceeds as part of the purchase financing. The market announcement did not detail the full structure of the consideration or other financing instruments involved; the company limited public disclosure to the total transaction figure and the size of the announced equity raise.

Board comments and strategic rationale

“The acquisition of Clarion, the UK company owning more than 100 B2B event brands, underlines Informa as the listed UK global leader,” said Stephen Carter, group chief executive of Informa, in prepared remarks for the market release.

Carter added that the purchase fits the group’s scale, which Informa says will reach annual revenues in excess of US$6 billion and an underlying revenue growth of “7 percent plus or minus”. The statement framed that figure as context to justify the transaction and the integration of Clarion into Informa’s platform.

Lisa Hannant, chief executive of Clarion Events, said in a statement that the tie-up opens “significant opportunities to accelerate growth, broaden reach and continue investing in the products, services and experiences that create value for our customers and communities around the world”. Clarion added: “For customers, exhibitors, sponsors, partners and suppliers, the business will continue as before.”

Ownership background: Blackstone and the 2017 investment

Blackstone acquired Clarion Events in 2017 through private equity funds it manages. In June 2017 Blackstone announced that purchase, although the terms of that original transaction were not detailed in Informa’s 2026 sale announcement.

Lionel Assant, global co-chief information officer at Blackstone, declined to provide financial terms of the divestment in Clarion’s attached statement, but said: “Since our original investment in Clarion Events in 2017, our ambition has been to build a truly global leader in events and exhibitions.” Assant added that, together with Clarion’s management team led by Lisa Hannant, Blackstone is proud to have created “a platform with scale, breadth and international reach”.

Implications for the B2B exhibitions market and ICE Barcelona

The deal strengthens Informa’s presence in the live B2B exhibitions segment, consolidating a portfolio that now incorporates key gaming industry events. ICE Barcelona will retain its January 2027 date and, according to Clarion, the plan is to maintain operational continuity for exhibitors and attendees.

For suppliers, sponsors and organisers across the trade-show ecosystem, the acquisition may lead to operational changes as Informa integrates brands, systems and processes. Clarion’s announcement and the comments from Hannant and Carter emphasised the intent to preserve existing offerings while working on commercial synergies.

What operators and stand buyers should watch

• Contractual conditions confirmation: Informa and Clarion have assured continuity, but stand buyers and sponsors should review clauses covering change of operator and governing jurisdiction.

• Integration timetable: Informa has not published a detailed integration schedule; the nearest date to monitor is ICE Barcelona, from 18 to 20 January 2027.

• Effect on fees and product: Informa’s note mentions opportunities to “accelerate growth” and “broaden reach”; exhibitors should expect commercial adjustments in line with the group’s new strategy.

Conclusion

The GBP2.24 billion / US$2.97 billion acquisition positions Informa as an even more dominant player in the global B2B events market. The partial financing via a share issue for GBP940 million and public references to annual revenues above US$6 billion give financial scale to the move. Blackstone exits an investment begun in 2017, and Clarion — whose portfolio includes ICE Barcelona — will continue to operate under the new ownership with promised continuity for customers and partners.