LONDON — A decade after UBM attempted to purchase Informa, the reverse is one step closer to happening. Announced in December, Informa’s $7.45 billion acquisition of rival UBM was cleared May 31 by Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority.
The joining of the two companies “has the potential to deliver strong growth and significant value for shareholders,” Informa CEO Stephen A. Carter said early this year, and “will ensure the Enlarged Group enters 2019 as a single business, with positive growth momentum and well-placed to deliver at least 60 million pounds ($85 million) of annual recurring operating synergies.”
In April, a majority of Informa and UBM shareholders officially approved Informa’s offer to acquire UBM (http://65.36.240.184/archive/industry-news/global-trade-show-industry-powerhouse-informa-and-ubm-deal-approved-shareholders/). The deal is expected to be completed sometime during the second quarter.
UBM placed four shows on the most recent Trade Show Executive Gold 100, while Informa had three events. There was one UBM show on the Fastest 50.
Reach Charles McCurdy, President & CEO of Informa’s Global Exhibitions division, at +44 (0) 20 7017 5000 or charlie.mccurdy@informa.com
