Emerald Expositions Completes GLM Acquisition

Emerald Expositions Inc. has completed the acquisition of George Little Management (GLM) from Providence Equity Partners for $335 million. 

The purchase price, including transaction expenses, was funded by $200 million of debt and a $140 million equity investment from Onex Partners III. Emerald was acquired by Onex Partners III in June 2013.

GLM creates face-to-face buying, selling and networking platforms for designers, product developers, manufacturers, retailers, and operators through more than 20 leading trade shows, including four of the largest 100 trade shows in the United States. GLM is the producer of NY NOW, formerly the New York International Gift Fair.

GLM’s trade shows serve industries as diverse as home furnishings, home textiles, stationery and paper products, giftware, tabletop, gourmet housewares, contemporary furniture and interiors, personal care, art and design, antiques and jewelry, fashion, board sports and resort lifestyle, and e-commerce. GLM has approximately 130 employees and operates out of six U.S. offices. 

Emerald is a leading operator of large business-to-business trade shows in the United States, producing more than 85 trade shows and conference events per year connecting more than 525,000 buyers and sellers across 10 diversified end-markets, including general merchandise; sports; hospitality and retail design; jewelry, luxury and antiques; e-commerce; photography; decorated apparel; building; healthcare; and military. Emerald is headquartered in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.