Blackstone-backed Clarion Events and gfu Consumer & Home Electronics formed a joint venture.

Blackstone-backed Clarion Events, an independent event organizer, and gfu Consumer & Home Electronics, an electronics wholesaler, formed a joint venture. Financial terms were not disclosed. The joint venture company, IFA Management, reached an agreement with Messe Berlin for IFA, the world's most important trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, to remain at the Berlin exhibition grounds. “I am delighted that IFA is staying in Berlin. Messe Berlin’s expertise in staging a show of this size and the potential offered by the new IFA Management GmbH will be crucial in maintaining IFA’s success in the years to come,” Sara Warneke, gfu Managing Director.