A major consolidation move is reshaping the global B2B events industry as Apollo Global Management announced that Apollo Funds will acquire both Emerald Holding and Questex before combining their extensive event portfolios under one private ownership structure.
The strategic transaction will create one of the largest business-to-business events platforms in North America, bringing together nearly 160 events across multiple high-growth industry sectors, while strengthening Apollo’s presence in the global exhibitions and business events market.
$1.5 Billion Deal Takes Emerald Private
Under the agreement, Emerald stockholders will receive $5.03 per share, representing a 42 percent premium over the company’s most recent closing stock price. The deal values Emerald at approximately $1.5 billion and will result in the company transitioning from public to private ownership.
Once completed, Emerald will join Questex as part of Apollo’s privately held business portfolio, creating a combined B2B events powerhouse designed to expand event offerings, digital engagement capabilities, and data-driven business intelligence solutions.
Apollo already maintains a significant presence in travel, hospitality, and events-related investments through assets including The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and The Travel Corporation.
Combined Portfolio Expands Across Multiple Industry Verticals
The merger combines Emerald’s large-scale exhibitions with Questex’s digital media and event engagement platforms across a broad range of sectors.
Emerald’s portfolio includes markets such as design and construction, food, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, general merchandise, luxury, industrial manufacturing, action sports, and marketing technology. The company is widely recognised for flagship trade shows including Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and CEDIA Expo.
Questex serves industries including life sciences, wellness, hospitality, real estate, destination travel, media infrastructure, telecommunications, and entertainment. Its notable events include Be + Well Beauty and Wellness Show.
The combination is expected to create stronger cross-sector opportunities for exhibitors, sponsors, buyers, and attendees while expanding digital community engagement year-round.
Apollo Signals Strong Confidence in the B2B Events Market
The acquisition underscores Apollo’s growing confidence in the long-term value of in-person business events, particularly as digital transformation and artificial intelligence reshape professional networking and business intelligence gathering.
According to Shahid Bosan, the rapid rise of AI and digital tools is increasing the strategic importance of trusted face-to-face gatherings where industries can build relationships, make decisions, and conduct business at scale.
Apollo also sees strong value in the extensive data and actionable market insights generated through large-scale event ecosystems, which can drive deeper customer intelligence and business growth opportunities.
New Era for the Global Exhibition Industry
The Emerald-Questex combination marks one of the most significant private equity-led consolidations in the exhibitions sector in recent years.
As global business events continue evolving through hybrid engagement, AI-powered networking, and data-driven audience intelligence, Apollo’s investment signals strong belief that live exhibitions remain central to business growth, professional trust-building, and long-term industry development.
The deal is expected to accelerate innovation across the B2B events landscape while creating a stronger integrated platform serving global industries through exhibitions, conferences, digital communities, and strategic business content experiences.
