Sector Context
The B2B information sector continues to rapidly evolve as providers build out new solutions for their served verticals, from subscription information, to data, to analytics, to tools to workflow software.
Face-to-face engagement, however, remains a critical part of the solution set, and in particular the use of market leading conferences to deliver sector thought-leadership as well providing a unique forum which enables key decision makers and market participants to engage in-person.
As a result, many major B2B information providers such as Thomson Reuters have increasingly focused on how to deliver this for their served communities, and importantly, how to deliver this at a global scale.
Our Role
JEGI CLARITY’s relationship with FCBI stretches back decades, having advised them on multiple divestitures and finally their successful sale to Lloyd’s Development Capital in 2018.
Within 12 months of the sale to LDC, it became clear that there was a unique opportunity for a highly strategic exit for LDC to the right global player in that sector. We had a long-standing relationship with Thomson Reuters, having advised them on several transactions in recent years.
With our deep understanding of both their strategic aspirations and FCBI’s unique business model, we saw how a transaction between the two businesses could transform Reuters whilst providing both an outstanding long-term home for FCBI and an exceptional return for their shareholders. We were immediately appointed by FCBI who advise them on how to achieve this, all of which we did in a extremely focused and tight timeline.
Transaction Detail
FCBI is one of the largest and fastest growing independent B2B businesses globally. It delivers over 70 high-end conferences and exhibitions across Europe, North America and Asia to sectors including energy, pharmaceuticals, insurance and technology. Its offerings help senior business professionals stay at the forefront of change through insight sharing and networking with peers. The buyer, Thomson Reuters, is a leading provider of business information services combining information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals with Reuters, the world’s largest multi-media news provider.
This transaction combines Reuters’ globally trusted brand, scale and editorial excellence with FCBI’s deep expertise in highly specialized events for professionals. It creates a tremendous opportunity for Thomson Reuters to accelerate growth and deliver on their mission to provide trusted intelligence solutions to their customers, whilst providing FCBI with the ability to move rapidly into new markets, new geographies and to further enhance value to customers.
