Emerald Holding and its Medtrade trade show will have new owner

NEW YORK – Apollo-managed funds have entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald Holding, Inc., which organizes Medtrade, and Questex, with the intention to combine the businesses to create a leading North American B2B experiential events and media platform, in an all-cash transaction.

Apollo says Emerald and Questex, together, would create a scaled B2B events platform with approximately 160 events across complementary end markets, combining Emerald’s category-leading exhibitions with Questex’s differentiated events portfolio and 365-day digital engagement model. It says the combined business is expected to be well-positioned to drive organic growth and serve as a strategic partner of choice for founders and operators in the large and fragmented B2B events landscape.

“Over the past several years, we have transformed the portfolio with a clear focus on higher-growth, market-leading brands, building a more diversified mix of events and the strongest portfolio in our history,” said Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald. “We are grateful to Onex for their partnership and support in building Emerald into what it is today. We believe the acquisition by Apollo Funds and the subsequent combination with Questex will provide the enhanced resources, strategic support, and long-term capital to accelerate our growth and deliver lasting value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Questex has a presence in the life sciences, health and wellness markets, as well as living, and entertainment and infrastructure. In the health market, it owns Fierce Healthcare and the Fierce Health Payer Summit.

Apollo recently bought a stake in McKesson’s Medical-Surgical Solutions segment.