Informa to Acquire Clarion Events for $2.2 Billion Amidst Takeover Surge

The City is experiencing a fresh wave of takeover activity, with events firm Informa announcing its intention to acquire rival Clarion Events for $2.24 billion. This move is part of Informa's strategy to expand its rapidly growing live events business.

To finance the acquisition of Clarion, which will add approximately 100 live events, including London's DSEI defence conference, to the Informa brand, the blue-chip firm plans to raise $940 million from shareholders. Informa CEO Stephen Carter stated that the takeover will solidify Informa's position as the leading UK-listed, international operator in B2B live events, projected to generate $4.2 billion in annual revenue.

In parallel, Informa is considering spinning off its academic publishing division, Taylor & Francis, which is approaching $1 billion in revenue. The company indicated that all options for the division will be explored before a formal decision is made next year, with Carter suggesting the division could benefit from increased flexibility and autonomy during its next development phase. Informa shares saw a 2.65% increase in early trading following the announcement.

Separately, Kenmare Resources confirmed it has received a takeover offer from International Resources Holdings (IRH), a mining firm based in Abu Dhabi and led by the brother of the UAE President. Discussions between Kenmare and IRH are ongoing, with no certainty of a firm offer being made or its terms. IRH has a deadline of November 17 to declare its intentions.

Kenmare's shares surged 28.17% to 232.5p in early trading. The mining firm, which also holds a secondary listing in Dublin, has faced challenges in recent years due to declining titanium mineral prices and negotiations over a new royalties agreement for its mine in Mozambique. In August, Kenmare noted 'weak market conditions' but indicated a 'slightly improved' outlook.

This 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, adding to a trend of London-listed firms being acquired by foreign entities, including City institution Schroders and Lloyd's of London insurer Beazley.