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ICE Totally Gaming Acquired By Private-Equity Firm Blackstone

LONDON -- Private-equity giant Blackstone Group has acquired Clarion Events , producer of London's ICE Totally Gaming, among other gaming-related trade shows and conventions. Clarion had been owned by another private-equity group, Providence Equity Partners, for the past two years. Clarion employs more than 900 people and has 13 offices around the world. The company organizes exhibitions and conferences outside the gaming industry -- about 180 in all. "Clarion's leading position in its markets comb...

July 31, 2017 | Nick Montano

LONDON -- Private-equity giant Blackstone Group has acquired Clarion Events, producer of London's ICE Totally Gaming, among other gaming-related trade shows and conventions. Clarion had been owned by another private-equity group, Providence Equity Partners, for the past two years. 

Clarion employs more than 900 people and has 13 offices around the world. The company organizes exhibitions and conferences outside the gaming industry -- about 180 in all.

"Clarion's leading position in its markets combined with its strong management team will enable the company to continue growing both organically and through M&A," said Lionel Assant, head of Blackstone's European operations. "Blackstone has a significant track record of investing in media businesses as well as buy and build platforms."

Blackstone Group is one of the world's leading investment firms with more than $360 billion in assets under management. The group acquired performing rights organization SESAC earlier this year. | SEE STORY