Portfolio focus and academic division separation
Informa has announced its intention to separate its academic markets business, Taylor and Francis, providing the division with greater independence and flexibility to support its future growth. Since joining Informa in 2004, Taylor and Francis has grown substantially, with annual published articles multiplying nearly fivefold to over 170,000 and revenues expanding fourfold to approximately $1 billion.
Commenting on the planned separation, Group Chief Executive Stephen A Carter stated:
“With Taylor and Francis approaching $1 billion in revenue, growing at 4 percent and with its Open Research capabilities firmly established, we believe it will now benefit from greater flexibility and freedom through the next phase of its development, as Informa further expands the depth and reach of its B2B portfolio.”
The formal separation review process has been launched, with final outcomes scheduled for presentation alongside the group’s full year results in March 2027.
Acquisition of Clarion and B2B expansion
Alongside the academic division review, Informa has agreed to acquire Clarion from Blackstone for an enterprise value of £2.24 billion. Clarion brings a portfolio of more than 100 specialist business to business brands, including major international franchises such as the IFA Berlin consumer electronics event, DSEI in defence and security, and the ICE global gaming exhibition in Barcelona.
Carter emphasized the strategic impact of the transaction:
“The planned separation of Taylor and Francis coincides with further expansion in B2B through the £2.24 billion acquisition of Clarion, the UK based owner of more than 100 B2B live event brands. The combination will underscore Informa as the UK listed, international leader in B2B live events, with annual group revenues exceeding $6 billion and underlying revenue growth of 7 percent.”
The acquisition is projected to deliver mid single digit adjusted diluted earnings per share enhancement in 2027 and a double digit post tax return on invested capital within three years. The transaction will be financed via committed debt facilities and a c.£940 million equity placing, with completion anticipated toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory clearances.
