Informa Weighs Options for IBI Firms after Events Buy

Business information and events group Informa has agreed to buy US trade show operator Hanley Wood Exhibitions for £237m; and is consequently considering 'alternatives' for its Consumer Information and Forecasting businesses.

The Consumer Information and Forecasting businesses are currently part of the Informa Business Intelligence (IBI) division, and include market intelligence and analysis firm Datamonitor; and market, competitor and trend research specialist Verdict.

The Hanley Wood acquisition, funded from existing financial facilities, will form part of Informa's 2014-2017 'Growth Acceleration Plan'. This plan focuses on strengthening the firm's global exhibitions business, and Informa says it also involves weighing up options for businesses in the IBI division.

Group CEO Stephen Carter (pictured) commented: 'We are pleased to be announcing today's acquisition in the strategically important US Exhibitions market, as well as ongoing portfolio management in our Business Intelligence division.'

Web site: www.informa.com .