LONDON, UK –  October 2, 2025 – Collingwood, the value creation and M&A advisory, today announced the launch of its sixth annual Collingwood Market Report. The Report, which provides a definitive look at valuations, investor sentiment, and market trends in the information, media, and events sectors, reveals a strong Q2 and a positive trend for the sector in an environment of cautious deal making.

The deal environment across Information, Media, and Events business models over the last 12 months reflects a cautious but steadily improving landscape, influenced by the prevailing macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions. This activity is fueled by high levels of uninvested capital held by private equity firms and intensified competition for premium assets. This has led to a noticeable focus on higher-grade assets, with valuations increasing for top-tier information and events businesses, while remaining relatively flat for media, albeit the bifurcation of media models from traditional ad-funded models to more sophisticated lead-gen marketing services models continues.

“Ongoing uncertainty continues to impact and shape buyer appetite and strategy; from the business models, to sectors served, and overall valuation and deal structure,” said Connor Agnew, UK MD of Collingwood Corporate Finance. “The market has seen an uptick in activity this year, with increased competition and pent up private equity demand, but buyers overall remain cautious. Buyers are continuing to favour robust sectors, relatively insulated from external shocks and technological disruption, and business models with the highest quality of earnings.”

A key finding is the emergence of AI as a central factor in M&A. The Report highlights that buyers now consider a robust AI strategy vital for every target company. Businesses that demonstrate how they are mitigating the risks of AI and leveraging its opportunities are commanding higher valuations.

The Report also details that investors are increasingly attracted to mixed models that combine live events with digital platforms and sometimes membership or subscriptions offerings, as these show deep customer engagement. While this powerful combination leads to a higher quality of earnings, its multifaceted nature can complicate traditional valuation methods for buyers.

“Our intention with this report is not simply to present data, but to equip you with insight,” said Daniel Pitchford, CEO of Collingwood. “Whether you are a shareholder considering an exit, a board developing your inorganic growth plans, or an investor assessing where to deploy capital, the perspectives gathered will help you make better-informed decisions”.

Media enquiries: Rosalind Hill, Head of Marketing: rosalind.hill@collingwood.group

 

About the Collingwood Market Report

The Collingwood Market Report gathers qualitative and quantitative data from over 80 buyers and investors in the information, media and events sectors. Research was conducted from April to August 2025, with all findings generally reflecting activity over the preceding 12 months. Collingwood’s extensive M&A experience and activity, as well as global market data from a number of sources – specifically CapIQ, MergerMarket, Pitchbook, Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions, & Alliances, World Bank, Deutsche Bank Research, OBR, European Central Bank – also informs the Report’s findings and conclusions.

About Collingwood

Collingwood is the only value creation and M&A advisory that is purpose-built to take information, media, and events businesses on a complete journey through scaling up to sale. Collingwood’s experienced value creation, transformation, and corporate finance experts work in partnership with clients, providing a powerful combination that gets them where they need to be, faster and more predictably. Our mission is to help our clients create value and realise value. Founded in 2006, Collingwood is headquartered in London with a US office in New York.

 

For more information, visit: collingwood.group and LinkedIn.