Irving, Texas-based Hanley Wood, a multimedia company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries, has sold its Hanley Wood Exhibitions business to Informa PLC, a U.K.-based publishing and events company that operates in more than 40 countries. 

The $375 million sale is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon the closing of the transaction, the exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas.

Rick McConnell will continue to lead the company as president, Informa Exhibitions US, Construction and Real Estate.

“Since 2000, Hanley Wood Exhibitions has led the industry as a best-in-class producer of tremendously vital and successful events,” said Peter Goldstone, Hanley Wood’s CEO.

“Informa recognized the power and value of the trade show business we’ve built over the years. Informa has an exciting, long-term strategic vision for the Exhibitions business and how it fits within its international operations and its existing portfolio of construction and real estate events. It will be a great home for its customers and employees.”

The deal adds 17 construction and real estate events to Informa's portfolio. 

“We are very excited about the addition of such an outstanding trade show business,” said Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive of Informa. “This is a terrific portfolio of leading construction exhibition brands that will become a key component of our Global Exhibitions Division. In combination with other recent acquisitions, we have significantly strengthened our presence in the U.S., demonstrating our commitment to the sector and the region.”

Hanley Wood and Informa PLC will enter into a long-term partnership agreement under which Hanley Wood will continue to provide editorial and marketing support for Exhibitions events.

McConnell has been with the company since 2001 and president since 2009. "Informa is a great home for Hanley Wood Exhibitions," McConnell said. 

He added, "Informa has a strong portfolio internationally, which opens up expansion opportunities for Hanley Wood shows. In addition, the Hanley Wood base of shows become an invaluable hub in the US that can be built upon. The match of assets is a glove fit."

Hanley wood portfolio includes World of Concrete, which was ranked No. 23 on last year’s TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list, and Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which ranked No. 149 on the same list.

“This partnership agreement will allow Hanley Wood Media to maintain its role as the official media and information provider to the various events we have supported for many years,” Goldstone said. “At the same time, our shared customers, business partners and attendees will benefit from the continued collaboration between the two companies.”