Blackstone is pursuing a sale of Clarion Events, according to people familiar with the matter cited in media coverage. The sources said information memoranda went to prospective buyers earlier in May, with CVC, KKR, PAI Partners, Ardian and Hillhouse among those reported to have shown interest; a sale is not guaranteed.
A possible change of ownership could affect the organiser of ICE and iGB events.
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Lottomatica Group and CIRSA Enterprises agreed a plan for CIRSA to merge into Lottomatica, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2027 if shareholder, regulatory and other conditions are met. CIRSA shareholders would receive 0.668 newly issued Lottomatica shares per share, and CIRSA plans to pay an extraordinary dividend of €1.56 per share before completion.
Reportedly, Informa will acquire Clarion from Blackstone for US$2.97bn. Clarion organises the gaming industry exhibition ICE Barcelona.
Lottomatica’s announced all-share merger with CIRSA drew mostly positive analyst assessments, according to press reports dated 3 September 2026. Under the terms reported, each CIRSA share would receive 0.668 new Lottomatica shares; Lottomatica shareholders would own about 67.5% of the combined group and CIRSA shareholders, through Blackstone, 32.5%.
Lottomatica and Cirsa have agreed to a cross-border merger in which Lottomatica will absorb Cirsa, according to reports. Cirsa shareholders would receive 0.668 new Lottomatica shares per share and hold about 32.5% of the combined company; Cirsa also plans a €262m special dividend before completion. The deal remains subject to shareholder votes and regulatory approvals, including competition, foreign investment and gambling clearances.
Blackstone is expected to own about 24% of the combined Lottomatica and CIRSA group if their proposed merger receives the required approvals, according to the report. Existing Lottomatica shareholders would hold about 67.5%, while CIRSA shareholders would receive 32.5%; Blackstone would also have the right to nominate two directors to the 13-member board.