Global business events organiser Hyve has been sold to private equity firm Hellman & Friedman in a transaction valued at approximately $1.8bn, delivering a substantial return for its existing owners Providence Equity Partners and Searchlight Capital Partners, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Hyve, which operates 31 trade shows and conferences across 18 brands, has benefited from a strong rebound in in-person business events following the pandemic, as companies increasingly prioritise face-to-face engagement for dealmaking and customer relationships.
The company was taken private in London just three years ago for under £500m, making the latest sale a significant uplift driven by improved performance and sector recovery.
Hyve has expanded aggressively under private ownership through acquisitions in high-growth event segments, including healthcare, supply chain, and technology-focused conferences such as HLTH, ViVE, Manifest, and Behavioral Health Tech. This strategy has helped position the group as one of the largest global events organisers.
The business reported continued momentum in 2025, with revenue reaching $391m and EBITDA rising to $100m, supported by double-digit organic growth and expanding margins.
Hellman & Friedman said the acquisition reflects its confidence in the long-term strength of live events, viewing the sector as resilient even amid growing digital and AI-driven disruption. The firm plans to support Hyve’s expansion through new international launches, product development, and further acquisitions.
Hyve’s management highlighted a shift in the industry toward year-round engagement models, combining live events with digital content, intelligence, and membership services to deepen customer relationships.
The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.
