Business Services & Software

Arlington Capital Partners Announces the Sale of Virgo Holdings to Informa, PLC

WASHINGTON, DC, AUGUST 11, 2014 – Arlington Capital Partners today announced the sale of Virgo Holdings (“Virgo”), a leading integrated business-to-business information services company, to Informa plc.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Virgo is focused on delivering content within the fast-growing natural products, communications, healthcare, and business solutions industries via live events, electronic and print media products, and online platforms. Currently, Virgo produces six trade shows and conferences, publishes nine trade websites and six affiliated magazines, and operates online training and accreditation programs as well as branded online stores.

“Since our acquisition of Virgo in 2008, we have worked closely with the entire management team to accelerate the company’s digital media strategies, increase online revenues over 400%, and nearly double trade show revenues. We are proud of the value we have built together over the last six years for the company, its customers, its employees and our investors and look forward to the team’s continued success,” said Perry Steiner, a Managing Partner at Arlington Capital Partners.

John Siefert, CEO of Virgo, said, “Our sale to Informa presents a tremendous opportunity for the combined companies to continue to innovate and deliver value across our network and beyond. Through our partnership with Arlington Capital, we have expanded our presence in a number of exciting categories, providing a solid foundation from which to build under Informa’s ownership and global reach.”

Malcolm Little, a Vice President at Arlington Capital Partners, added, “It has been a pleasure working with the Virgo team and ultimately arriving at this highly successful transaction. We congratulate management and wish them, along with all of Virgo’s employees, the best in their new partnership with Informa.”

The sale closed on August 8, 2014. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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About Virgo Holdings
Virgo Holdings is a fast-growing, integrated business-to-business information services business delivering trade shows and conferences, print and electronic media, and online education to key growth markets.  Virgo leverages its category-leading events, publications, electronic and other media to provide integrated solutions for the natural products, healthcare, and telecommunications industries and other expanding niche businesses.  The Company is uniquely distinguished by its highly innovative and sales-driven culture and rigorous financial discipline that have translated to superior growth and profitability. Virgo has a long track record of successfully launching new products to serve the information needs of growing industries and currently operates 10 trade shows and conferences, publishes 17 national trade magazines and affiliated websites, and operates online training and accreditation programs.

About Arlington Capital Partners:
Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, DC-based private equity fund with over $1 billion of committed capital focused on middle market buyout investment opportunities in growth industries including: Federal government services, business services and outsourcing, media, education, healthcare services, and aerospace/defense.  The firm’s professionals have a unique combination of operating and private equity experience that enables Arlington to be a value-added investor.  Arlington invests in companies in partnership with high quality management teams that are motivated to establish and/or advance their company’s position as leading competitors in their field.

SOURCE: Arlington Capital Partners