GL events reported full-year 2025 revenue of €1.7bn, up 7.4% at constant exchange rates – and 5.3% year on year.

The strongest performance came from the Exhibitions division, which recorded revenue growth of 41.5%, rising from €168.2m in 2024 to €238.1m in 2025.

Exhibitions was the group’s fastest-growing division by a wide margin. Growth was driven primarily by a strong biennial cycle and a sharp rebound that occurred in the latter half of the year.

Fourth-quarter exhibitions revenue rose 49%, reaching €43.8m, compared with €29.4m in Q4 2024. This followed a weak third quarter, when exhibitions revenue fell to €22.5m.

French exhibitions leading in revenue

Flagship French events accounted for 52% of exhibition revenue, with major contributors including SIRHA Lyon, Global Industrie Lyon and CFIA Rennes. Regional shows were a key source of momentum.

Internationally, GL events pointed to strong results from Expomin in Chile and the CACLP Exhibition in China, alongside continued expansion of medical and specialist congresses in Europe.

The group also cited growth from newer international exhibitions, including SIRHA Arabia in Riyadh, Estetika in Brazil, and Tranoï Tokyo Autumn, as it continued to diversify its exhibitions portfolio.

By contrast, GL events Live saw revenue fall 5.4% to €968.8m, despite a strong fourth quarter supported by mega-event activity linked to Osaka Expo and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics pipeline.

The Venues division grew 16.2% to €514.1m, with strong performances in regional France, Europe and South America, although corporate events activity in Paris declined.

GL shareholder CARAC Group buys equity in Stade de France operator

Alongside the results, GL events confirmed that CARAC Group (a new shareholder in the French events company) has acquired a 30% equity stake in the Stade de France operating company. CARAC subsidiary Atream will take a seat on the supervisory board.

The move follows GL events’ assumption of operations at the Stade de France in 2025 and is intended to support long-term development of the venue across sporting, cultural and corporate events.

GL events confirmed its 2025 targets, including an improved operating margin, around €80m in capex, and lower net debt at year end.