Informa Acquires Rival Clarion for $2.2 Billion Amidst Surge in Takeover Activity
Events giant Informa plans to buy Clarion Events, while mining firm Kenmare Resources receives a takeover bid from an Abu Dhabi-based company.
A fresh wave of takeover activity has swept through London's financial district, with business events firm Informa announcing a £2.24 billion deal to acquire its rival, Clarion Events. This move is part of Informa's strategy to expand its live events business.
Informa, known for hosting events such as the Monaco Yacht Show, will finance the acquisition of Clarion, which organizes over 100 live events including London's defence conference DSEI, through a £940 million share issue. Informa CEO Stephen Carter stated that the acquisition will solidify the company's position as a global leader in B2B live events, bringing in an additional £4.2 billion in annual revenue.
In addition to the Clarion acquisition, Informa is considering spinning off its academic publishing division, Taylor & Francis, which is approaching $1 billion in revenue. The company plans to explore all available options for the division before making a formal decision next year, aiming to provide it with greater flexibility for its future development. Informa shares saw a 2.65 percent increase in early trading following the announcements.
Mining Firm Faces Takeover Bid
Separately, Kenmare Resources confirmed it has received a takeover offer from International Resources Holdings (IRH), a mining firm based in Abu Dhabi. IRH is led by the brother of the UAE's President.
Discussions between Kenmare and IRH are ongoing, and it remains uncertain whether a firm offer will be made or on what terms. Kenmare has informed investors that further statements will be released as appropriate. IRH has until November 17 to either declare a firm intention to make a formal offer or withdraw its interest.
Kenmare's share price surged by 28.17 percent to 232.5p in early trading. The mining firm, which also has a listing in Dublin, has experienced a period of stagnation in its share price in recent years due to declining prices for titanium minerals and unresolved negotiations for a new royalties agreement for its Moma mine in Mozambique.
In August, Kenmare reported facing weak market conditions for its products but noted a slight improvement in its outlook. This latest approach from IRH follows a failed bid in June 2025 by Oryx Global Partners, an Abu Dhabi private equity firm, and former managing director Michael Carvill, who were unable to agree on a valuation.
If Kenmare accepts IRH's proposal, it would mark the end of its nearly four-decade presence on the London Stock Exchange. This potential delisting comes amid a trend of London-listed companies becoming targets for foreign buyers, with notable examples including Schroders and Lloyd's of London insurer Beazley earlier this year.