Shamrock Acquires Questex

Questex, a business information and events company, has been acquired by Shamrock Capital Advisors in partnership with the company’s senior management.

Questex is a business information and events company serving corporate and government clients worldwide.  The company produces over 50 tradeshows, conferences, and other business events annually and publishes more than 100 business media and information products.  Questex’s divisions include Hospitality& Travel; Beauty & Wellness; Nightclub & Bar; Entertainment; I.T. & Telecom; and Life Sciences & Healthcare. Questex also owns digital media publisher, FierceMarkets, and market research and advisory services provider, InfoTrends.    Questex has approximately 350 employees and is headquartered in Newton, MA (www. Questex.com).

“Over the years, Questex has aggregated a unique set of assets with significant untapped potential,” said William Wynperle, a Partner at Shamrock Capital Advisors. “We look forward to working with CEO Kerry Gumas and the Questex team to capitalize on a tremendous need in today’s marketplace through additional strategic investments and the benefit of our combined experience.”

Shamrock Capital Advisors has over $700 million of capital under management and invests in the media, entertainment, and communications sectors. Originally founded in 1978 as the Roy E. Disney family investment company, Shamrock is currently investing out of Shamrock Capital Growth Fund III, a $400 million fund raised in 2011. The firm is based in Los Angeles (www.shamrockcap.com).

“Shamrock Capital is the perfect partner for Questex at this point in our evolution. They have a deep understanding of the media, communications and entertainment sectors and the customers we serve. They support our ongoing business initiatives and they share our goal of extending Questex’s service offerings and market footprint,” said Kerry Gumas, the President & CEO of Questex.

Jefferies served as the financial advisor to Questex for this transaction. 

2014 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 9-18-14