Informa, a publishing, business intelligence, and exhibitions group, agreed to acquire Ascential, a business-to-business media company, for £1.2bn ($2.6bn). "I am extremely proud of all of Ascential's brands, and the people who work so hard to delive for them every day. Our two divisions, Lions and Money20/20, have transformed how our customers around the world experience events, and benefit from both digital intelligence and advisory services. The value our businesses bring to their respective industries is clear as is the regard in which they are held by Informa," Philip Thomas, Ascential Chief Executive.