UK events firm that hosts arms fairs and comic shows sold to rival for £2bn

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Published: 2026-10-06T08:37:47.362Z • Permanent link

Informa, a FTSE 100 firm, has acquired Clarion, a British events business that hosts arms fairs and comic shows, from private equity group Blackstone for £2 billion. The deal is the latest move by Informa to expand its portfolio of events and training services. Clarion, which was founded in 1984, has a long history of hosting conferences and exhibitions for the defense and security industry, as well as comic book and pop culture enthusiasts.

The acquisition brings together two companies with complementary strengths and expertise. Informa, which is headquartered in London, has a portfolio of events and training services that include conferences, exhibitions, and training programs for industries such as finance, healthcare, and education. Clarion, which is based in London, has a strong reputation in the defense and security industry, with a particular focus on the UK and European markets. The deal is expected to create a major player in the global events and training services market.

The acquisition is also significant because it reflects the growing importance of the events and training services sector in the global economy. The sector, which includes conferences, exhibitions, and training programs, is a major driver of economic growth and innovation, and is increasingly important for companies looking to develop new skills and knowledge. The deal is also notable because it highlights the growing trend of consolidation in the global events and training services sector, as companies look to expand their portfolios and improve their competitiveness.

The acquisition of Clarion by Informa has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, which includes research communities, markets, and policy environments. The deal is likely to have a major impact on the defense and security industry, which is a key sector for Clarion. The acquisition also reflects the growing importance of the events and training services sector, which is increasingly important for companies looking to develop new skills and knowledge.

The deal is also significant because it highlights the growing trend of consolidation in the global events and training services sector. As companies look to expand their portfolios and improve their competitiveness, they are increasingly turning to acquisition as a key strategy. The deal is likely to set a precedent for other companies in the sector, and could lead to a wave of consolidation that has significant implications for the Data Sources domain.

For research communities and markets, the acquisition of Clarion by Informa is likely to have significant implications for the way that events and training services are delivered and marketed. The deal is likely to lead to increased competition in the sector, as well as new opportunities for innovation and growth. The acquisition also reflects the growing importance of data and analytics in the events and training services sector, as companies look to improve their understanding of their customers and markets.