The move comes as private equity firms cautiously return to the M&A market, following weeks of uncertainty triggered by geopolitical tensions and US tariff policies. Recent market stabilisation has seen a rebound in deal activity, with notable transactions such as KKR’s US$3.1bn acquisition of OSTTRA and DoorDash’s US$3.6bn bid for Deliveroo reaching completion.
Clarion, which operates trade shows in different business sectors, has offices in 12 countries employing around 2,000 people worldwide and reported revenues reaching £432.9m last year. The recovery in China and Hong Kong significantly contributed to this performance.
In its most recent financial review, Clarion highlighted strong cashflow management and outperformance against budget expectations—an encouraging sign for prospective investors. However, sources caution that a deal is not guaranteed at this stage.
The potential sale marks one of the largest private equity-backed assets to return to market since the slowdown, and underscores Blackstone’s continued effort to time exits with improving economic clarity.
Blackstone bought Clarion in 2017 for £600m and ed it through the COVID pandemic, when the events industry came to a sudden halt, hammering the company's revenue and earnings. Sources close to the parties believe it could fetch an asking price of around 12x EBITDA.
Clarion claims the mantle of being the “world’s largest privately owned event and exhibition organizer” with “a portfolio of 125 events and media brands across various vertical markets” from gaming and defense, energy transition and consumer electronics to the London International Horse Show.
Source: GMB / Reuters
