New York-based private equity manager Blackstone announced that it has acquired Clarion Events, the London-based independent event organizer that is the producer of ICE Totally Gaming, Europe’s largest gaming trade show.
Since its formation in 1947, Clarion has grown into an international business with an established market-leading platform. In addition to the ICE gaming show, Clarion boasts global leadership positions across a range of vertical markets, including retail and home, defense and security, technology and energy. The company produces more than 180 annual events and exhibitions in more than 50 countries.
Clarion is headquartered in London with over 950 employees in 13 offices worldwide. Providence, which invested in Clarion in 2015, has an option to reinvest a portion of its proceeds from the sale into Clarion.
Industry sources indicate that the added backing of Blackstone could prompt a sale of the leading worldwide gaming trade show, Global Gaming Expo, by Reed Exhibitions to Clarion, which has been considered in the past. The American Gaming Association owns 60 percent of G2E.
