Informa Intelligence

Looking back on some of the successful rollups of the past.

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From time to time, I like to look back on some of the successful rollups of the past. Informa was a company I followed closely for many years. I always felt like Informa’s Intelligence Division was undervalued and misunderstood. Part of this was because it was difficult to navigate across the different sectors that the intelligence division offered. The sales process, productization, and ultimately leadership were unable to cross-sell to clients. This was a rollup that had great data assets, but never was able to be as successful as it should have been. Makes you wonder how valuable it would be if it was still around in this AI-driven, data hungry world.

Informa's Intelligence Division, which sadly no longer exists as it was sold for pieces, was a mosaic of brilliance that had been carefully crafted through a series of strategic acquisitions. From data-driven powerhouses to specialized domain experts, each addition enriched the intelligence division, creating an unrivaled ensemble of knowledge and insights.

1. Datamonitor Group (2007):

The journey of Informa's Intelligence Division began with the acquisition of Datamonitor Group in 2007. This strategic move provided Informa with a solid foundation in market intelligence and analysis across various industries. Datamonitor's rich research capabilities and extensive data resources added depth to Informa's intelligence offerings, positioning the division for future growth.

2. EPFR Global (2010):

One of my personal favorites, in 2010, Informa further strengthened its Intelligence Division by acquiring EPFR Global, a leader in providing fund flow and asset allocation data. This addition expanded Informa's expertise in financial markets and investment analysis, opening new avenues for clients seeking comprehensive insights into global investment trends. Adam Longenecker led the product and insights at EPFR for many years and was always someone I enjoyed working with. He moved on to start his own firm Caretta Data. EPFR was sold recently to Montagu for $193 million.

3. Ovum (2014):

Informa's quest for excellence led to the acquisition of Ovum in 2014, a renowned technology research and advisory firm. Ovum's expertise in telecommunications, IT, and digital services complemented Informa's intelligence capabilities, fortifying the division's standing in the technology and communication sectors. This acquisition I always felt like underachieved in its ability to sell insights into the financial services industry.

4. Medtrack (2018):

Informa's commitment to excellence extended to the healthcare sector with the acquisition of Medtrack in 2018. Medtrack's deep healthcare data and analysis capabilities bolstered Informa's position as a premier provider of insights for the life sciences industry.

5. IHS Markit's TMT Intelligence (2020):

Continuing the trajectory of growth, Informa's Intelligence Division took a significant leap forward with the acquisition of IHS Markit's Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) Intelligence in 2020. This move cemented Informa's leadership in providing cutting-edge intelligence across the technology and media landscape. In exchange, Informa sold the Agribusiness to IHS Markit

Conclusion:

Informa's Intelligence Division is a testament to the power of strategic acquisitions and the pursuit of excellence. Each addition to the division's portfolio had been a strategic puzzle piece, carefully placed to create a mosaic of brilliance that transcends industry boundaries. From market intelligence to financial trends, technology insights to healthcare analytics, Informa's Intelligence Division offered an unparalleled ensemble of knowledge, guiding businesses and decision-makers toward success.