Informa plc: A Global Leader in Business Intelligence and Events
Informa plc is a prominent British conglomerate specializing in publishing, business intelligence, and the organization of global exhibitions and events. Headquartered in London, England, the company operates as a critical hub for specialist information and scholarly research, serving a diverse array of industries across more than 43 countries.
As a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (the index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange), Informa leverages a vast network of 150 offices and a workforce of approximately 14,000 employees to deliver high-value data and networking opportunities to professional audiences worldwide.
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Key Facts
- Headquarters: London, England, UK.
- Market Status: Publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: INF).
- Global Reach: Operates in 43+ countries with 150 offices.
- Workforce: Approximately 14,000 employees (as of 2026).
- 2025 Revenue: £4,041.4 million.
- Core Divisions: Informa Connect, Informa Festivals, Informa Markets, Informa TechTarget, and Taylor & Francis.
Corporate Evolution and History
Foundations and Early Growth (1998–2013)
Informa was established in December 1998 through the merger of IBC Group plc and LLP Group plc, the publisher of Lloyd's List. The company spent its first decade aggressively expanding its academic and professional footprint, merging with academic publisher Taylor & Francis in 2004 and acquiring IIR Holdings in 2005.
Despite a takeover bid from Springer Science and Business Media in 2006, which the board rejected, Informa continued to scale. Between 2008 and 2013, the company navigated various structural changes, including a brief period of being incorporated in Jersey and tax resident in Switzerland before redomiciling back to the UK in 2014.
Strategic Expansion and Modernization (2014–Present)
Under the leadership of CEO Stephen Carter, who took the helm in January 2014, Informa entered the FTSE 100 in 2016. This era was marked by significant acquisitions, including Penton in 2016 and the massive acquisition of UBM plc in June 2018, which accelerated the company's growth in Asia and North America.
The company has since refined its portfolio through strategic divestments and mergers. In 2020, it launched Omdia by consolidating several market analyst firms. In 2022, Informa sold its Pharma Intelligence unit to Warburg Pincus for $2.6 billion. Most recently, the company merged its digital business with TechTarget to form Informa TechTarget in December 2024 and acquired Ascential in October 2024 for approximately £1.2 billion.
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Operational Structure and Brand Portfolio
Informa organizes its vast operations into five primary divisions, each targeting a specific segment of the information and events market:
- Informa Markets: Focuses on large-scale B2B exhibitions.
- Informa TechTarget: Delivers digital B2B services and technology intelligence.
- Taylor & Francis: Manages scholarly research and academic publishing, including brands like Routledge and CRC Press.
- Informa Connect: Specializes in professional conferences and specialist information.
- Informa Festivals: Manages high-profile consumer events, including VidCon, Fan Expo, and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
To support these divisions, the company maintains a dedicated Global Support division to ensure operational efficiency across its international offices.
Financial and Operational Summary
The following table provides a snapshot of Informa's scale and financial performance based on recent reporting.
| Metric | Detail/Value |
|---|---|
| Revenue (2025) | £4,041.4 million |
| Operating Income (2025) | £1,139.8 million |
| Net Income (2025) | £(145.4) million |
| Employee Count (2026) | 14,000 |
| Global Presence | 150 offices in 43+ countries |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Informa plc do?
Informa is a global group that provides business intelligence, scholarly research, and electronic publishing, while also managing large-scale exhibitions and professional events.
Which famous brands are owned by Informa?
Informa owns several high-profile brands, including the academic publishers Taylor & Francis, Routledge, and CRC Press, as well as event brands like Cannes Lions, VidCon, and Fan Expo.
How did Informa respond to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Due to the impact on in-person gatherings, Informa pivoted toward virtual events and increased its focus on digital products and subscription-based services.
What is the relationship between Informa and TechTarget?
In December 2024, Informa merged the digital business of Informa Tech with TechTarget to create a unified entity known as Informa TechTarget, aimed at scaling B2B digital services.
Is Informa a public company?
Yes, Informa is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker INF and is a component of the FTSE 100 Index.