LONDON — The deal is officially done! The combination of UBM and Informa has created the world’s largest B2B exhibitions and trade show organizer.
Alliance News reported that UBM shareholders will get 1.083 Informa shares plus 163.00 pence or approximately $2.20 in cash under the deal.
The mega deal to combine UBM and Informa bolsters the footprint of the two already major London-based players in the global trade show industry and will expand Informa’s presence in the U.S. exhibitions market. Both companies already have sizable presence in the world market, including the U.S. where they organize such landmark shows as MAGIC, Licensing Expo and World of Concrete.
“We are excited about the new combination of UBM and Informa,” said CEO of Informa’s Global Exhibitions Division Charlie McCurdy. “We expect to bring additional opportunities to customers through our increased international reach, and by offering them a single, broader and larger portfolio of information services brands and products.
“In addition to delivering value to our customers, our colleagues are at the heart of the combination and by supporting collaboration, innovation and excellence internally, we are strengthening our position in our target markets to support the success of participants across our events.”
In April, a majority of Informa and UBM shareholders officially approved Informa’s offer to acquire UBM, and the deal was cleared May 31 by Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority.
Informa Group CEO Stephen A. Carter spoke with employees from each of UBM’s regions during June. Kathryn Frankson attended from the U.S.
“We’re combining the companies because of the future. Our job is to make our customers and their businesses successful,” said Carter during the meeting. “All of those things are much easier to do when you have scale, as well as the capabilities, the resources, the relationships and the talent that comes with bringing the best of Informa and the best of UBM together.”
Both Informa and UBM also have made major inroads in the U.S. via acquisitions in the current decade. Informa acquired Penton in 2016 and Hanley Wood Exhibitions in 2014. UBM acquired Advanstar Communications in 2014 and Canon Communications in 2010. UBM placed four shows on the most recent Trade Show Executive Gold 100 while Informa had three events. Just announced June 14 at TSE’s Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, Informa won the Top Organizer Overall in Number of Fastest 50 Shows and Next 50 Shows.
In its earnings report for 2017, Informa noted the differences and similarities between Informa and UBM in various parts of the world:
- America: Both firms have complementary businesses with depth in various verticals.
- Europe: Opportunities for mergers and streamlining of respective operations.
- Asia: UBM’s leading presence will pave the way for expansion.
- Middle East & Africa: UBM will reinforce Informa’s ongoing regional expansion.
Talks to merge the two major players previously had been underway in 2008, but ultimately, an agreement was not reached.
According to the earnings report, exhibitions contributed 31.9% of Informa’s total group revenues and 36.9% of its adjusted profit. Total company revenues grew 30.7% for the year to 1,757,600,000 pounds ($2,162,621,292).
“It is clear the b-to-b market is moving to operating scale and industry specialization,” Informa’s Carter said when the proposed merger was announced in January. “The combined group will have the reach and market capabilities to take full advantage of these trends.”
Reach Charles McCurdy, President & CEO of Informa’s Global Exhibitions division, at +44 (0) 20 7017 5000 or charlie.mccurdy@informa.com
