Apollo Funds complete acquisitions of Emerald and Questex

GaryPageau , ,

Apollo Global Management announced Apollo-managed funds have completed the previously announced acquisitions of Emerald Holding, Inc.  and Questex, LLC.  Emerald Holdings is a leading B2B event organizer, who properties include WPPI. The transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading B2B experiential events and media platform with enhanced scale, expanded capabilities, and a strong foundation for growth, the company said. As previously announced, Paul Miller has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, and Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor to the combined company. In addition, the combined company has made the following appointments to the executive leadership team: Vince DiMaggio, named as Chief Financial Officer; Issa Jouaneh, named as Chief Operating Officer; Kate Spellman, named as Chief Commercial Officer; Kurt Nelson, named as Chief Talent Officer; and Sara Altschul, named as Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary.

The two companies will be fully integrated over the coming months.“This transaction combines two market leaders with iconic brands, deep customer relationships, and differentiated capabilities, to create a scaled platform positioned to accelerate organic growth, invest in innovation, and deliver even greater value for customers, employees and other stakeholders,” said Shahid Bosan, Managing Director at Apollo. “We look forward to supporting and working closely with the leadership team as they build a leading B2B events and media business.”

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we embark on a new chapter as one company,” said Miller. “By bringing together the best of Emerald and Questex, we are creating a stronger, differentiated platform with the scale, offerings, and talent to better serve our customers and partners. With Apollo’s support and a strong leadership team in place, we are well-positioned to execute against our strategy, expand our portfolio, and capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead.”

With the completion of the acquisition, Emerald’s common stock has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Emerald stockholders are receiving $5.03 per share in cash.

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.