Informa: A Comprehensive History of Growth and Strategic Evolution
Informa has evolved from a merger of specialized communications firms into a global leader in academic publishing, business intelligence, and large-scale events. By strategically acquiring key assets and pivoting its business model to meet digital demands, the company has secured a prominent position in the global marketplace, including a place on the prestigious FTSE 100 index.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1998 via the merger of IBC Group plc and LLP Group plc.
- Market Status: Entered the FTSE 100 (the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange) in 2016.
- Major Acquisitions: Includes Taylor & Francis, UBM plc, and Ascential.
- Key Brands: Operates Omdia and the Fan Expo HQ brand.
- Strategic Pivot: Shifted toward virtual events and digital subscriptions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Formative Years: 1998 to 2013
Informa was established in 1998 through the merger of IBC Group plc (formerly International Business Communications) and LLP Group plc, the publisher of Lloyd's List. The early 2000s were marked by aggressive expansion into academic and professional sectors, notably with the merger with academic publisher Taylor & Francis in 2004 and the acquisition of IIR Holdings in 2005.
The company faced various corporate challenges and leadership transitions during this period. In 2006, Informa rejected a takeover bid from Springer Science and Business Media. Leadership shifted in 2007 when Peter Rigby became chairman and David Gilbertson took over as managing director. While a potential merger with United Business Media (UBM) was discussed in 2008, those preliminary talks ended shortly after.
Between 2009 and 2014, Informa underwent significant structural changes, including a period where it was incorporated in Jersey and tax resident in Switzerland before redomiciling back to the UK in 2014. By the end of 2013, the company acquired the assets of Elsevier Business Intelligence (EBI) from Reed Elsevier and appointed Stephen Carter as CEO.
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Expansion and Market Dominance: 2014 to Present
Under the leadership of CEO Stephen Carter, Informa entered a phase of rapid scaling. The company achieved a major milestone in 2016 by entering the FTSE 100. This era was defined by a series of strategic acquisitions, including Penton (2016), Yachting Promotions Inc. (2017), and Dove Medical Press (2017).
A pivotal moment occurred in June 2018 with the completion of the acquisition of UBM plc, a move designed to expand Informa's footprint in Asia and North America. This was followed by a period of portfolio optimization in 2019, where Informa divested several units—including UBM Life Sciences and various Penton divisions—while trading its Agriculture Intelligence unit to IHS Markit for the majority of IHS Markit's Technology, Media and Telecoms division.
In 2020, the company further strengthened its research capabilities by acquiring F1000 Research Limited and launching Omdia. Omdia served as a unified brand consolidating Ovum Ltd, Heavy Reading, Tractica, and the acquired IHS Markit research business.
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Adapting to Global Challenges and New Ventures
The Covid-19 pandemic forced a rapid evolution of Informa's event business. With in-person gatherings cancelled or postponed, the company pivoted toward virtual events and expanded its focus on digital products and subscription-based models.
Recent years have seen a shift toward divestment and high-value partnerships. In February 2022, Informa sold its Pharma Intelligence unit to Warburg Pincus for $2.6 billion, subsequently launching a share buyback programme. In November 2022, the company entered the Middle Eastern market via Tahaluf, a joint venture with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP).
Most recently, Informa has continued its digital and media integration. In December 2024, the digital business of Informa Tech merged with TechTarget to become Informa TechTarget. Additionally, in October 2024, the company completed the acquisition of media and events firm Ascential for approximately £1.2 billion.
Corporate Evolution Summary
| Year | Event/Action | Impact/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Merger of IBC Group and LLP Group | Formation of Informa |
| 2004-2005 | Acquisition of Taylor & Francis and IIR Holdings | Expansion into academic publishing |
| 2016 | Entry into FTSE 100 | Recognition as a top UK company |
| 2018 | Acquisition of UBM plc | Growth in North America and Asia |
| 2020 | Launch of Omdia | Consolidation of market analyst brands |
| 2022 | Sale of Pharma Intelligence | $2.6 billion capital injection |
| 2024 | Acquisition of Ascential | £1.2 billion expansion of media/events |
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Informa originally formed?
Informa was created in 1998 through the merger of two companies: IBC Group plc (formerly International Business Communications) and LLP Group plc, which published Lloyd's List.
What is Omdia?
Omdia is a unified market analyst brand launched by Informa in February 2020. It consolidated several entities, including Ovum Ltd, Heavy Reading, Tractica, and a significant portion of IHS Markit's technology, media, and telecommunications research business.
How did Informa respond to the Covid-19 pandemic?
In response to the cancellation and postponement of in-person events, Informa transitioned to hosting virtual events and increased its strategic focus on digital products and subscription-based services.
What was the significance of the UBM acquisition?
The acquisition of UBM plc, completed in June 2018, was a key strategic move intended to expand Informa's operational presence and market share in North America and Asia.
What is the recent partnership in Saudi Arabia?
In November 2022, Informa launched a joint venture called Tahaluf in partnership with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP).