Blackstone announces Clarion Events sale worth £2 billion
Blackstone has officially announced the sale process of the global trade show organiser, Clarion Events, in a deal that could value the company at around £2 billion.
The move comes after the market started to recover from recent ups and downs caused by tariffs under President Trump’s administration, which had seriously affected the global dealmaking process speed around the world.
Blackstone acquired Clarion in 2017 for £600 million and supported it through the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a severe impact on the events industry. However, despite challenges, Clarion has seen a strong recovery. Its revenue increased from £257 million to £432.9 million in the year ending January 2024, mainly due to China and Hong Kong markets’ reopening.
Known for hosting international events across sectors like gaming, energy, defence, and electronics, Clarion also runs world-famous shows such as the London International Horse Show and operates Global Sources in Asia.
The sale will show how ready investors are to take action despite uncertainties. Before announcing the sale, Blackstone has been carefully monitoring the market. While several big investors like KKR, CVC, Ardian, and Hillhouse have shown strong interest, there’s no guarantee the deal will go ahead as planned. Clarion’s ability to manage costs and maintain strong cash flow will play a big part in whether the sale goes ahead.

















