Although events M&A activity typically slows toward the end of the year, the industry showed continued strength in October and November 2025, with steady consolidation across conferences, trade fairs, and exhibition brands. During these two months alone, nine notable deals were completed, highlighting ongoing buyer confidence and strategic expansion across multiple event verticals.
One of the standout transactions saw The A-Team Group, part of the UK-based Finelight Group, acquire the Alternative Data Conference from Ireland-based Eagle Alpha. Held annually in New York, the conference is a well-regarded platform focused on data innovation within financial services. The acquisition strengthens A-Team Group’s position in the fintech and data events space, expanding its portfolio of specialist industry gatherings.
In the food and beverage sector, Vindustrious completed a management buyout of the London Wine Fair, one of the UK’s most established wine trade shows. Vindustrious was formed by the event’s current director, signaling a confidence-driven transition aimed at preserving and growing the show’s long-standing industry reputation.
Private equity-backed Questex, supported by MidOcean Partners, was particularly active, completing two acquisitions in quick succession. The company acquired The Conference Forum and Versalinx Global Events, both known for producing highly specialised conferences in pharma, biotech, and healthcare. These additions significantly enhance Questex’s Fierce Healthcare & Life Sciences portfolio and reflect a broader industry trend toward acquiring technically deep, content-led events that attract senior decision-makers.
Another notable deal involved Law Business Research (LBR), backed by Intermediate Capital Group, which acquired Legal Geek, a series of legal innovation conferences held across Europe and North America. Following the ALM-LBR merger earlier in 2025, this acquisition expands LBR’s reach into legal technology and digital transformation events.
The travel sector also saw cross-border activity. Japan’s JTB Corporation completed its acquisition of Northstar Travel Group, providing an exit for US private equity firm EagleTree Capital. Meanwhile, India-based Fairfest expanded into the US market with the acquisition of the WTE Miami travel show, strengthening its global footprint in tourism and hospitality exhibitions.
Taken together, these transactions underline a clear message: confidence in in-person events remains strong. Buyers are increasingly focused on specialised, community-driven brands and are using acquisitions as a fast route to geographic expansion and audience growth across global markets.
