Event Industry Buying Streak Continues as Hyve Group Acquires HLTH

Hyve Group said Monday it is acquiring HLTH, a UK-based global event company for international health innovators as the event industry buying streak continues.

HLTH USA will become Hyve’s largest event by revenue. Another HLTH event, ViVE, isn’t far behind.  

“Long rumored and finally realized, this marks the second Hyve strategic acquisition this year.  HLTH has been a revelation and disruptive influence in the $12 trillion healthcare sector,” said Vincent Polito, CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO). “It’ll be interesting to watch how the event gets integrated into Hyve. And whether it will result in any additional international versions beyond HLTH Europe.”

This acquisition includes over 80 employees. Plus offices in New York, London, and Dublin. Founder/CEO Jon Weiner will continue to lead HLTH.

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring our expertise in scaling meeting programs and international expansion to amplify HLTH's reach, benefiting even more customers and partners worldwide and advancing healthcare globally,” said Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve.

This year's HLTH USA was held in Las Vegas October 19-22, with over 12,000 attendees. Among the high-profile speakers: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and singers John Legend, Lance Bass, and Lenny Kravitz. Speakers like the CEO of Kaiser Permanente Greg Adams, and Nvidia VP of healthcare and life sciences Kimberly Powell also took the stage.

This HLTH deal follows Hyve’s acquisition of Beyond Ordinary Events. This is the organizing body behind ‘Possible,’ a three-day conference focused on marketing, tech, media, and culture.

Event Industry Buying Streak Includes Private Equity Investment

Hyve was acquired in March 2023 by private equity firm Providence Equity Partners for $579 million. 

"As private equity continues to pour into the exhibition industry, the landscape is being reshaped with new possibilities and potential for growth," said Marsha Flanagan, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). 

Hyve organizes events in 11 countries. Event brands include Shoptalk, Spring Fair, Bett, Mining Indaba, and the recently acquired Fintech Meetup. CEO Mark Shashoua co-founded the company in 1991 under the name ITE Group. He left in 1999, later returning as CEO in 2017.

This is just the latest deal in the events industry. Last week, Truelink Capital, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, acquired GES Exhibitions, a global exhibitions and logistic services company.