Private Equity Giants Double Down on B2B Events with CloserStill Deal

LONDON, UK – May 01, 2026 – In a significant move underscoring robust investor confidence in the business events sector, Searchlight Capital Partners has announced a major investment in CloserStill Media, a premier B2B events platform. The deal will see Searchlight join existing owner Providence Equity Partners in a co-control partnership, with both private equity giants poised to fuel the company's next ambitious phase of global expansion.

Founded in 2008, London-based CloserStill Media has carved out a formidable reputation for its portfolio of award-winning, content-driven events across high-growth sectors including Technology, Healthcare, Learning & HR, and Future Transport & Infrastructure. The new partnership aims to accelerate CloserStill's growth through strategic acquisitions, new event launches, and enhanced digital capabilities.

A Vote of Confidence in a Resurgent Market

The joint investment arrives at a pivotal moment for the B2B events industry. After navigating the unprecedented challenges of the past few years, the sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence. Industry data projects a significant rebound, with global exhibition revenues expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024. This comeback is driven by a deep-seated demand for the in-person connections, networking, and high-value lead generation that physical events uniquely provide.

Private equity's keen interest reflects a belief in the enduring value of these platforms. The B2B events market, while growing, remains highly fragmented, presenting a ripe opportunity for consolidation. Firms like Searchlight and Providence see the potential to build scale and create dominant platforms through strategic M&A, a playbook CloserStill has already executed with remarkable success.

“CloserStill is one of the leading global platforms in B2B events — a sector we know well and have high conviction in,” said James Redmayne, Partner and Head of European Private Equity at Searchlight Capital Partners. “The strongest franchises in this space are built on premium content and engaged communities with real network effects. We believe CloserStill is exactly that kind of business. That consistent and demonstrable customer ROI is what underpins the quality of the franchise.”

CloserStill's Proven Growth Playbook

Under Providence's ownership since 2018, CloserStill has demonstrated a potent growth model, reportedly expanding fivefold. This impressive trajectory was achieved through a disciplined three-pronged strategy: strong organic growth within existing events, the successful launch of new shows, and a series of targeted acquisitions that expanded its geographic and vertical reach.

The company’s portfolio includes flagship events like Ai4, Data Centre World, the London Vet Show, and Learning Technologies, which are considered must-attend gatherings in their respective industries. This reputation is backed by numerous accolades; the firm has won over 40 Exhibition News (EN) Awards and earned a rare hat-trick of appearances in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For from 2018 to 2020, highlighting a culture of both commercial success and employee engagement.

Recent acquisitions have also seen the company adeptly integrate digital formats, broadening its offerings to include one-to-one meetings, executive roundtables, and other products that deepen year-round customer engagement. This hybrid approach is crucial for staying competitive and delivering value in the modern events landscape.

“We are incredibly excited to embark on this next chapter in CloserStill’s evolution,” commented Gareth Bowhill, Group CEO of CloserStill Media. “We believe partnering with two experienced B2B event investors in Searchlight and Providence, who share our vision and ambition, positions us strongly to accelerate our growth and unlock new opportunities.”

The Power of a Proven Partnership

The co-control structure between Searchlight and Providence is a noteworthy aspect of the deal, but it is not without precedent. This collaboration marks the second major joint venture for the two firms in the B2B events space, following their successful acquisition of Hyve Group in 2023. This history indicates a proven working relationship and a shared strategic thesis about the sector's potential.

The partnership combines Providence's deep institutional knowledge of CloserStill, having guided its fivefold growth, with Searchlight's extensive experience in the broader technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. This synergy is expected to provide CloserStill's management with a powerful combination of capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise.

Andrew Tisdale, Vice Chairman at Providence Equity Partners, highlighted the success of their initial investment. “CloserStill has demonstrated a fantastic combination of strong organic and inorganic growth under our ownership... We supported its M&A strategy, enabling it to acquire and scale leading events across its core industries,” he stated. “We continue to see meaningful opportunities for further value creation... We look forward to partnering with Searchlight to support the next phase of CloserStill’s development.”

Fueling the Next Wave of Expansion

With the backing of two well-capitalized sponsors, CloserStill is set to aggressively pursue its expansion strategy. The investment will be channeled into three key areas. First, the company will seek to further consolidate the fragmented events market through targeted bolt-on acquisitions. Second, it plans to launch new events in adjacent high-growth sectors, leveraging its existing expertise. Finally, a significant portion of the investment will be dedicated to enhancing its digital and sales platforms, deepening customer engagement and creating a more robust year-round ecosystem around its event brands.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals from authorities in jurisdictions like the UK, EU, and US. While regulatory scrutiny on large M&A deals has increased globally, recent trends, particularly a more business-friendly stance from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, may facilitate a smooth review process for a deal focused on growth and market expansion rather than simply reducing competition. With this powerful new partnership in place, CloserStill Media is well-positioned to not only navigate but also shape the future of the global B2B events industry.