Apollo announce agreements to acquire Emerald and Questex

Apollo Funds has announced that it has entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald and Questex.

The move will see the two major event organizers combined into a leading B2B North American platform.

Apollo seeks to combine their portfolios and position them to drive organic growth.

Your other main industry stories include:

• Deutsche Messe AG restructures and expands executive board
• Easyfairs Belgium reveals intention to take over Xpo Group
• Nineteen Group announces new CEO of The Payments Association

Read on for more event industry news.

Apollo to acquire and combine Emerald and Questex to create a new B2B platform

Apollo has revealed its agreements to acquire two major event organizers – Emerald and Questex.

The combined portfolios will come under private ownership to create a scaled platform poised for further growth.

Apollo seeks to capitalize on Emerald’s category-leading events and Questex’s diverse portfolio – together they will host around 160 events.

Shahid Bosan, managing director at Apollo, said: “As AI and digital tools rapidly expand the ways professionals connect and share information, they are simultaneously elevating the value of trusted, in-person gatherings, where industries come together to do business, build relationships and make consequential decisions.

“Bringing together Emerald and Questex would create a scaled, highly complementary platform that is well positioned to capture that demand.”

The transaction is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Meanwhile, founder of Precision Communities Baris Onay believes this is part of a wider shift in the private equity cycle.

He argues the events industry appears to be following a new pattern of compounding assets rather than the established cycle of scaling and selling at an increased value.

Baris said: “Are the best event platforms becoming assets PE wants to keep compounding, rather than sell on?

“The latest CloserStill deal certainly looks that way. The reported £1.35bn valuation is eye-catching, but the real signal is quieter: Providence stayed in and brought in their co-investor from Hyve, Searchlight.

“[…] In the same vein, will the Apollo → Emerald+Questex deal turn out to be another long hold? Time will tell.”

Read Baris’s full article here.

Deutsche Messe AG restructures and expands executive board

Deutsche Messe AG has announced an expansion of its leadership team and executive board.

Konstantin Kuhl, Jochen Köckler and Holger Feist will be added to the board in an effort to better align with the company’s future development.

Their focus will be on site development and transformation, trade fair business and digitalization.

Grant Hendrik Tonne, chairman of the supervisory board of Deutsche Messe AG, said: “The trade fair industry is undergoing profound change – economically highly challenging, but also offering clear opportunities for strong locations.

“By expanding the Executive Board today to include Konstantin Kuhl alongside Dr. Jochen Kockler and Dr. Holger Feist, Deutsche Messe AG is establishing clear priorities in trade fair business, digitalization, and site development & transformation.”

Jochen will focus on further developing business and strengthening the positioning of flagship events such as EMO Hannover and HANNOVER MESSE.

Konstantin will develop the long-term plan for Deutsche Messe’s future – this will involve evaluating and improving the company’s existing business model.

Holger’s primary objective will be to create new business opportunities across Germany and globally – including the development of new digital services that add value to attendees and exhibitors.

Easyfairs Belgium reveals its intention to take over Xpo Group

Easyfairs Belgium has announced its intent to launch a public conditional takeover bid for all Xpo Group shares.

The leadership of both companies supports this move.

Xpo Group is the organizer of leading B2B events including the Solar Solutions series and the ARCHITECT@WORK.

Matt Benyon, CEO of Easyfairs Group, said: “Easyfairs and Xpo Group are highly complementary in the industries they serve and their international footprint.”

Easyfairs sees this as the ideal opportunity to extend its portfolio of European events.

This is part of the organizer’s wider growth strategy of expanding its network of shows in the region.

The offer is awaiting approval of the prospectus by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).

Nineteen group announces new CEO of The Payments Association

Nineteen group has revealed the appointment of the Payments Association’s newest CEO.

Emma Banymandhub will take over the role and will focus on driving expansion.

The Payments Association is a trade body representing over 250 organizations in the financial services sector.

Tony Craddock, founder of the Payments Association, said: “Emma’s promotion is exactly what our community needs.

“She brings an enthusiasm for the unbeatable combination of community and events that makes us different.”

Emma was previously the COO and the association’s headcount tripled under her guidance.

She takes over during a period of significant international expansion, after establishing itself as a payments powerhouse in the UK.

The Payments Association now looks to Emma to lead it into its next stage of growth.

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