UK-based Informa is acquiring events organiser Clarion Events from Blackstone for £2.24 billion. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 and includes Clarion's WorldGaming division, which runs ICE and iGB L!VE.
Blackstone bought Clarion in 2017 from Providence Equity Partners and held the business through the pandemic, when live events largely shut down. The valuation represents 11.1× Clarion's expected 2027 EBITDA. Clarion is forecast to generate revenue above £575 million in 2027.
Informa CEO Stephen Carter said the acquisition returns the company to its 2013 strategy of becoming the world's largest B2B live-events operator. After the deal closes, Informa's portfolio will exceed £4.2 billion in revenue and around 1,000 specialist brands. Combined group revenue will surpass $6 billion with 7% organic growth annually.
Informa expects £50 million in annual operational synergies from process optimisation, procurement and shared services. The company also plans to generate an additional £25 million in operating profit from incremental revenue by 2029. Clarion CEO Lisa Hannant will remain in her role and join Informa's senior leadership team.
Alex Pratt, managing director of WorldGaming, said Informa's data, digital capabilities and international reach will give their ecosystem fresh momentum.
The deal will be funded in cash through debt financing and a £940 million equity placing. Informa will pause its share buyback programme. Net debt will stay below 3× EBITDA by the end of 2026 and fall below 2.5× by the end of 2027.
