Informa acquires Clarion Events to grow its B2B Live Events segment

Clarion Events manages several large trade shows in the retail industry, including the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show and The Smoky Mountain Gift Show.

Informa, an international B2B live events group, has acquired Clarion Events from The Blackstone Group, the company’s private equity owner. Clarion Events oversees 125 events and media brands across various vertical markets worldwide. In the retail and specialty segment, Clarion Events hosts the Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show, Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show, Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, Philadelphia Gift Show, The Gathering, The Smoky Mountain Gift Show and Womenswear in Nevada.

According to a press release from Informa, the company acquired Clarion Events for about $2.96 billion. With the acquisition of Clarion Events, Informa says its B2B Live Events segment will generate revenues over $5.7 billion across about 1,000 specialist B2B brands in more than 40 market categories and over 30 countries.

Clarion Events says the acquisition brings together two complementary organizations with a shared commitment to growth, innovation and customer value. For Clarion, becoming part of a larger global organization provides brands with access to increased scale, investment, capabilities and international reach.

Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events, says the acquisition marks a new chapter for the company.

“Informa’s decision to invest in Clarion is a recognition of the quality of our business, our brands and our people. This is a moment to recognize the outstanding contribution of our teams. Their passion, expertise and commitment have helped build the successful business that Informa is investing in today,” she says. “Together, we see significant opportunities to accelerate growth, expand our reach and continue investing in the products, services and experiences that create value for our customers and communities around the world.”

Stephen A. Carter, Informa Group CEO, says Clarion Events shares a similar focus to Informa, making it a good fit for the company.

“We share the same focus on serving major, specialist and international markets and delivering impact and value to our customers and partners,” Carter says. “We’re excited to bring Clarion’s brands and teams into the Informa group and to further grow and expand our leading international B2B Live Events business.”

The Blackstone Group made its initial investment in Clarion Events in 2017, and Global co-Chief Information Officer Lionel Assant says the private equity firm wanted to help develop Clarion Events as a global leader in events and exhibitions.

“As demand for global events continues to grow, we believe Informa is the ideal partner for Clarion’s next chapter, combining global reach, deep industry expertise and a shared focus on delivering exceptional experiences for customers,” says Assant.

Following the acquisition, Clarion Events says much of its business will continue as usual for customers, exhibitors, sponsors, partners and suppliers. The organization plans to continue delivering events and experiences that support the industries and communities it serves.

The company notes that the acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Goldman Sachs International acted as sole financial adviser to Clarion Events.