This latest M&A activity update from Grimes, McGovern & Associates (GMA) offers data about how the events, media and information services landscapes are progressing. The news is good for events. For media and information services, meanwhile, the data is more ambiguous.
M&A advisor GMA has drawn on over 360 transactions throughout 2025. It shows an events market with signs of renewed momentum. Activity has been rising over the past two years – meanwhile, trends for the media and information services sectors are somewhat inconsistent.
Event deal activity is rising steadily. In addition, private equity participation is increasing; nearly half of all event transactions in 2025 were PE-backed. These findings indicate investor confidence in scalable, community-driven events.
Beyond the numbers, the report also provides insight into the themes shaping M&A today. From the growing importance of complementary ecosystems and niche communities to cross-border expansion and premium membership formats, the document shows some key aspects of how the events landscape is progressing in 2026.
The report also lists notable transactions and activity in early 2026 activity. Promisingly, activity is already tracking ahead of last year.
