Shareholders Give Go Ahead for $5.5 Billion Informa Buy of UBM

April 17, 2018

After a shareholder vote today in which 99 percent voted in favor of approval, Informa’s $5.5 billion valued deal to buy UBM was given the greenlight, creating the largest trade show company in the world.

“We are encouraged by the strong support from shareholders of both companies for this combination, which will create a leading, international B2B Information Services Group,” said Stephen A. Carter, Informa’s CEO.

Under the terms of the offer, UBM shareholders will receive 1.083 Informa shares for each UBM share and $2.33 in cash.

Carter in an earlier statement said that shareholders would see strong growth and continued value from the merger.

“We will seek to operate with speed and purpose through an Accelerated Integration Plan that unifies management, combines our businesses and adopts a focused approach to Industry Specialisation,” he added.

Carter said, “This will ensure the Enlarged Group enters 2019 as a single business, with positive growth momentum and well-placed to deliver at least £60 million ($84 million) of annual recurring operating synergies."

The offer will result in Informa Shareholders owning approximately 65.5 percent of the larger company and UBM Shareholders owning approximately 34.5 percent.

The larger company will employ around 11,000 colleagues (approximately 4,500 in the Americas, 2,500 in Asia, 500 in EMEA and 3,500 in the UK), and will be a leading exhibitions business in the key growth markets of China and the U.S., further accelerating the opportunities that both Informa and UBM have been pursuing, according to company officials.

Shows under the new, larger group umbrella span from World of Concrete to MAGIC Market Week to WasteExpo to the Game Developers Conference.

Patrick Martell, Informa’s CEO of business intelligence, will lead UBM through the integration process until end of 2018.

Martell will report to Informa CEO Stephen Carter, who will be CEO of the combined company.

Martell will work closely with Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa's Global Exhibitions Division, Andrew Mullins, CEO of Informa's Knowledge & Networking Division, and senior operating management from UBM to develop the combined company’s operating model and management structure.

Current Informa Chairman Derek Mapp will be chairman of the combined company, and UBM Chairman Greg Lock will become deputy chairman.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.