Apollo plans to acquire Emerald and combine it with Questex to create a large-scale B2B events platform in North America.
Apollo Funds has agreed to acquire Emerald Holding and combine it with Questex to create a scaled B2B events platform across North America.
The combined business is expected to operate around 160 events across multiple industries, bringing together Emerald’s exhibition portfolio with Questex’s events and year-round digital engagement model. The platform is positioned to capitalize on demand for in-person industry events while expanding digital capabilities.
Under the agreement, Emerald shareholders will receive $5.03 per share in cash, representing a 42% premium to its unaffected share price and valuing the company at approximately $1.5 billion. The transaction has been approved by Emerald’s board, and major shareholder Onex has agreed to support the deal. Following completion, Emerald will be taken private and delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.
Apollo said the combination aims to create a more integrated platform for B2B engagement, combining live events with ongoing digital interaction. The move comes as the events industry adapts to changing professional networking patterns, where in-person gatherings remain important alongside digital channels.
Executives from both companies highlighted the potential to drive growth through expanded reach, stronger customer relationships, and increased investment in content and technology. Questex CEO Paul Miller said the combined entity would focus on scaling its experiential platform and deepening year-round engagement with industry communities.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The deal reflects continued consolidation in the B2B events sector, as companies look to build larger platforms capable of serving fragmented markets with both physical and digital offerings.
