Integrated event industry group, GL Events has reported first half 2025 revenues up 8.3% to €889m. International markets accounted for 51% of total revenue and net profit attributable to group shareholders rose 33%, according to the results.
Olivier Ginon (pictured), chairman-CEO of GL events group, commented: “GL events performed well in the first half.. Our financial performance highlights the benefits of combining the strengths of our complementary services and the robustness of our business model for achieving sustainable growth. And by leveraging its powerful growth drivers, GL events has further strengthened its position. The increase in attendance and the satisfaction of participants at major events such as Expomin in Chile, the CACLP trade fair in China, Global Industrie, CFIA and Sirha Lyon is a testimony to the quality of our services, the professionalism of our staff and the power of our events in bringing people together. “Internationally, our activities in Chile and Brazil are continuing to grow, while our delivery of services in Saudi Arabia and the signing of the contract for the Asian Games demonstrate the global reach of our expertise.”
He said the group would maintain momentum and was confident in its ability to meet its targets for 2025.
As of 30 June 2025, international activity accounted for 51% of group revenue, up from 36% a year earlier. The H1 report also noted that cost management and resource optimisation, combined with a favourable business mix and biennial effects, had contributed to a 29% (€23m) increase in operating profit compared with H1 2024.
Drilling down into the results for the three main divisions, GL events Live, following major work at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, saw H1 2025 revenues of €459m, down 8% compared to 30 June 2024.
In H1 2025, GL events Live contributed to major events such as COP16 in the Middle East (dismantling and refurbishment, etc.), the Osaka World Expo (German, Serbian and European Union pavilions, etc.), the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice and the Paris Air Show. The group also continued its expansion in the sports events sector by delivering services for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, the Rolex Masters, the Saut Hermès, the Cincinnati Club World Cup and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. EBITDA for the Live Division was down 17% in H1, which the group said was a response to the lower contribution from mega events and reduced demand for certain activities such as structures and audio-visual services.
GL events Exhibitions reported strong growth of 52% in H1 2025, with revenue of €172m. This result was mainly driven by a favourable biennial effect (ExpoMine, SIRHA, and the Rio International Book Fair), which accounted for €40m, growth in other major trade exhibitions organised by the group (Global Industrie, CFIA, etc.), and the beginning of a recovery in Première Vision trade shows.
At the same time, the group said the economic environment in China remained challenging, with weaker performances for its trade shows there. GL events Exhibitions’ operating profit rose by 86% compared to last year’s first-half, to €41m. The group also highlighted its tight control of fixed costs and the division strengthening its healthcare vertical with the organisation of SantExpo and the acquisition of B4 events, a medical congress organiser.
The third group division, GL events Venues maintained its growth trajectory in H1 2025 with reported revenue of €258m, up 23% compared with 2024. his performance was mainly driven by the vitality of regional sites in France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region, which benefited from a favourable biennial effect and events hosted such as the Two-Wheeled Vehicles Fair and the CTCO exhibition. This regional momentum has helped offset the unfavourable biennial effect in Strasbourg and the post-Olympic Games downturn in Paris.
In Europe, momentum has been driven by the Benelux countries, with the World Forum, which hosted notably the NATO summit, and sustained activity in Hungary, with Construma & Agromash as the main events.
In South America, Brazilian destinations such as Salvador and São Paulo are experiencing strong growth reflecting the positive impact of the Anhembi site (under construction in H1 2024) and the integration of the Riesco events centre in Santiago, Chile.
In South Africa, Group teams benefited from preparatory meetings for the G20 summit to be held in Q4 2025.
Finally, following a tender procedure initiated in April 2023, the Group was awarded and signed the concession agreement for the management of the Stade de France, which will take effect on 5 August 2025.
The group reported net debt remained stable at €518m, compared with December 31, 2024 (€517m) and down from June 30, 2024 (€560m). GL events confirmed its full year targets for FY 2025, with growth to exceed 5% and a CAPEX programme of around €80m.
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