FTSE 100 group will also separate its Taylor & Francis academic arm to focus on live events
London, October 12, 2026 – Informa has agreed to buy events organiser Clarion from private equity firm Blackstone for £2.24 billion (about US$2.97 billion). It announced the deal on October 6 alongside plans to separate its academic publishing business, Taylor & Francis.
Clarion owns more than 100 B2B event brands in sectors including gaming, defence, electronics and energy. They include ICE Barcelona, the gaming industry’s biggest trade show, and iGB L!VE. Informa values Clarion at an enterprise value of £2.24 billion, or 11.1 times expected 2027 EBITDA before synergies. Clarion is expected to generate more than £575 million in revenue in 2027, with adjusted operating margins above 30%.
After the deal, Informa’s B2B Live Events business will have revenues above £4.2 billion across around 1,000 brands in more than 40 categories and over 30 countries. Group revenues will exceed US$6 billion, with underlying growth of 7% or more. Informa said Clarion adds depth in North America and Asia and strengthens its European position.
The deal will be funded through acquisition financing and a placing and retail offer expected to raise about £940 million. It is expected to complete towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Clarion CEO Lisa Hannant will stay in her role and join Informa’s executive leadership team.
Informa Group CEO Stephen A. Carter said the combination makes Informa the UK-listed leader in B2B live events. Taylor & Francis generates almost US$1 billion in revenue. Informa will review its options for it and publish the outcome in March.
