Life Science Connect Expands Events Business With Biopharma Acquisition

Life Science Connect (LSC) has acquired CDMO Live and PharmaSource, two brands serving the biopharma outsourcing sector. The deal expands LSC's events portfolio into contract development and manufacturing, a key segment of the biopharmaceutical supply chain. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition is the latest in one of the most active consolidation waves in the B2B events industry in two decades. In the past two months alone, Apollo Global Management announced agreements to acquire both Emerald Holding and Questex, valuing Emerald at approximately $1.5 billion. A week earlier, Searchlight Capital Partners recapitalized CloserStill Media alongside Providence Equity Partners at a reported valuation of around $1.77 billion, roughly 14x forecast earnings — nearly four times what Providence paid for the business in 2018.

LSC's move fits the same playbook at a smaller scale. The company is backed by Latticework Capital Management and Edgehill Management. The deal brings together CDMO Live Europe, CDMO Live Americas, PharmaSource, and External Manufacturing Leaders with LSC's existing brands, including Outsourced Pharma and the CDMO Leadership Awards.

The combined portfolio will operate as a new events division within Life Science Connect, with founders Luke Bilton and Chris Kilbee, who built Life Science Networks in just three years, remaining as senior vice presidents overseeing the business.

Life Science Connect said it plans to use its AI-enabled technology platform to connect biopharma professionals with information and suppliers, though what this means for the acquired brands in practice remains to be seen. 

CDMO Live Americas is scheduled for October 20–21 in Boston. CDMO Live Europe returns to Rotterdam in May 2027.