Apollo Funds to Merge Emerald and Questex under Paul Miller by H2 2026
APO•Apollo-managed funds will merge Emerald and Questex into a company, naming Questex CEO Paul Miller as chief executive and placing Hervé Sedky as advisor. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2026, creates a scaled B2B events platform for organic growth, strategic acquisitions and shareholder value.
1. Transaction Overview
Apollo-managed funds have formed a new holding company to acquire Emerald Holding and Questex, creating a combined B2B events platform. The merger seeks to leverage the strengths of both organizers across trade shows, conferences and digital engagement to enhance market position and operational scale.
2. Leadership Appointments
Paul Miller, current CEO of Questex, has been named chief executive of the combined entity, while Emerald’s President and CEO Hervé Sedky will transition to an advisory role. Miller’s three-decade experience in events, media and information services underpins plans to integrate teams and accelerate growth.
3. Strategic Rationale
The merger aims to drive organic revenue growth and pursue strategic acquisitions by uniting two complementary portfolios spanning hospitality, healthcare, life sciences and technology events. The combined platform will focus on first-party data capabilities and year-round customer engagement to boost profitability.
4. Timeline and Outlook
The transaction is slated to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Post-close, management plans to execute integration milestones and deliver enhanced shareholder value through a scaled, customer-centric events business.
