Informa's $2.8B Clarion Deal: What It Means for Gaming Events

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-07

### A Major Shake-Up in the Events Industry Informa just made a bold move that could reshape the business-to-business events world. The UK-based company announced it's acquiring Clarion, a major events organizer, from private equity giant Blackstone for a cool £2.24 billion – that's about $2.8 billion. But that's not all: Informa is also spinning off its academic publishing arm, Taylor & Francis. This double whammy signals a clear strategic shift toward B2B events. So why should you care? If you're in the gaming industry, this deal directly affects you. Clarion's portfolio includes over 100 event brands, many in gaming, electronics, and defense. By bringing these under its wing, Informa is positioning itself as a powerhouse in the sectors that matter most to professionals like you. ### Why Informa Is Betting Big on Events Informa's CEO, Stephen Carter, has been vocal about focusing on B2B events as the company's core. The logic is simple: face-to-face connections are irreplaceable, especially in industries like gaming where networking and hands-on demos drive business. By acquiring Clarion, Informa gains not just scale but also diversity – from tech conferences to defense expos. And investors seem to agree. The market responded positively to the news, with Informa's stock ticking up. The separation of Taylor & Francis, meanwhile, allows Informa to streamline operations and double down on events without the distraction of academic publishing. ### What This Means for the Gaming Sector For gaming professionals, this could be a game-changer. Clarion runs several key gaming events, including the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and other regional shows. Under Informa, these events might see expanded resources, better international reach, and more innovative formats. Imagine bigger exhibitor halls, more networking opportunities, and perhaps even new events in emerging markets. But there's also a note of caution. Consolidation can sometimes lead to homogenization. Will smaller, niche events get lost in the shuffle? Informa insists it will maintain the unique character of each brand, but only time will tell. ### The Financial Breakdown Let's put the numbers in perspective. The £2.24 billion price tag translates to roughly $2.8 billion – a hefty sum that reflects Clarion's value. Blackstone, which acquired Clarion in 2018, stands to make a significant return on its investment. For Informa, this is a calculated bet that B2B events will continue to thrive in a post-pandemic world. The separation of Taylor & Francis, on the other hand, is expected to unlock value for shareholders. Academic publishing is a stable but slow-growth business, while events offer higher margins and growth potential. By splitting them, Informa can let each entity pursue its own path. ### What's Next? The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2024. In the meantime, Informa will work on integrating Clarion's operations and planning the spin-off of Taylor & Francis. For event organizers and attendees alike, the message is clear: the B2B events landscape is evolving. Whether you're a game developer looking to showcase your latest title or a marketer seeking to connect with industry leaders, staying informed about these changes is crucial. As always, we'll keep you posted on how this unfolds. In the meantime, what do you think about Informa's big bet? Drop us a line – we'd love to hear your thoughts.