GL EVENTS (FR0000066672, GLO), THE INTEGRATED EVENT INDUSTRY GROUP, ANNOUNCES ITS RESULTS FOR THE 2026 FIRST HALF
- Revenue: +9% to €966 million in H1 2026 (+12% at constant exchange rates(1))
- International markets accounted for 54% of total revenue.
- 2026 targets confirmed
Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented:：
“GL events delivered a strong first half, reflecting its solid fundamentals, the relevance of its strategy and the continued confidence of its clients, partners and employees around the world. These results confirm the relevance of our business model and the complementarity of our businesses. The strong momentum in our Live and Venues activities internationally, our ability to offset the impact of unfavourable biennial event cycles and the successful integration of Stade de France are the clearest illustrations. Against a complex global backdrop, and notwithstanding our footprint in the Middle East, we have maintained our momentum with discipline and vigilance. As a result, we are able to approach the second half of the year with confidence, fully focused on achieving our objectives and delivering sustainable, well-managed growth.”
GL EVENTS LIVE delivered strong growth in H1 2026, with revenue of €544 million, up 19% compared with 30 June 2025. EBITDA increased by 42% to €68 million, lifting the EBITDA margin to 12.5% (+2.0 percentage points), whereas current operating income reached €43 million, representing a current operating margin of 7.9% (+2.0 percentage points).
This performance reflects the commercial momentum generated in 2025, which translated into a significant improvement in operating profitability. Mega events made the largest contribution. These included the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which accounted for a significant share of the division's activity throughout H1, the World Urban Forum in Baku, and services provided in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US. These events also highlight the Group's ability to deliver a broad range of services and meet its clients' requirements across diverse geographical markets. GL events Live also confirmed its position as a leading partner for major events by providing services for Eurosatory, the Saut Hermès, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the Printemps des Sports Équestres, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Turkish Oncology Congress (TTOK), the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The division also benefited from the reduction in losses by the Sports segment together with improved profitability for corporate events in France and Turkey. Fixed costs remained under control, increasing by only 4% compared with H1 2025.
GL EVENTS EXHIBITIONS reported revenue of €124 million in H1 2026, down 28% compared with H1 2025. This decline primarily reflects an unfavourable biennial event cycle, with H1 2025 including major exhibitions such as SIRHA, Expomin and the Rio International Book Fair. Current operating income amounted to €20 million, representing a current operating margin of 16.1%, down 7.8 percentage points compared with H1 2025.
In this context, the division once again demonstrated its resilience, supported by a diversified events calendar. In France, the performance improved compared with 2024, driven in particular by major events including SIRHA Bake and Snack, Première Vision Paris, Eurobois Lyon, CFIA Rennes, SantExpo, the Lyon Fair & Kidexpo, Hyvolution and SEPEM Douai, confirming the strength of the Group's position in its key domestic markets.
Internationally, the division continued to expand through events including Aquasur Tech in Chile, CACLP, the WESAVC East and West Small Animal Veterinary Conference, the Bienal do Livro Bahia, which partially offset the biennial impact of the absence of the Rio International Book Fair, and the AFRAVIH Conference. The international rollout of the Group's proprietary brands also continued with Première Vision New York, Première Vision Montreal and Denim by Première Vision Milan.
Challenging market conditions in China, particularly in exhibitions related to construction, renovation and fashion, continued to weigh on the division's overall performance. Fixed costs, however, declined by 4% compared with H1 2025. Personnel costs accounted for 60% of total fixed costs, reflecting disciplined cost management.
Finally, to strengthen the division's healthcare vertical, an agreement has been reached to acquire 100% of MCO Congrès, an agency specialising in the organisation of scientific and medical events, conferences and congresses. Based in Marseille, the company employs 30 people and generates annual revenue of € 14 million. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
GL EVENTS VENUES continued its growth trajectory in H1 2026, generating revenue of €298 million, up 15% compared with H1 2025. Current operating income reached €44 million, representing a current operating margin of 14.8%, up 0.8 percentage points. This improvement was supported by strong business activity and tight control of fixed costs, which increased by just 1% on a like-for-like basis compared with H1 2025.
In France, activity remained stable on a like-for-like basis, while the division benefited from the positive contribution of the consolidation of Stade de France and the 25 event venues of the S-Pass network; The Stade de France confirms its unique position in France, supported by a strong programme of sporting and entertainment events. Highlights of the first half included the Six Nations Championship matches against Ireland and England, the French Football Cup Final, the Top 14 Final, together with major concerts by JUL, Aya Nakamura, Fally Ipupa, David Guetta and Bruno Mars. Regional momentum also remained strong, supported by events such as the Two-Wheeled Vehicles Fair in Lyon and the Toulouse International Fair. The City of Caen also renewed its confidence in the Group by extending its contract to operate the city's exhibition centre for a further five years, while Eurexpo Lyon was selected to host competitions during the Alpes 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Internationally, the Group's venue network once again demonstrated its ability to generate sustained and diversified business across all its locations. In Europe, the division recorded a decline compared with H1 2025, which had benefited from the exceptional impact of the NATO Summit at the World Forum in The Hague. Business activity nevertheless remained strong in Budapest, driven in particular by Agromash Expo, SIRHA Budapest, Transport Research Arena, Industry Days and Construma. In Italy, the division hosted the Salone Internazionale del Libro in Turin, reflecting its growing presence in the country.
In South America, the division maintained strong momentum, with the adverse biennial effect offset by robust activity at its Brazilian venues (São Paulo Expo, Anhembi and Riocentro) and Chilean venues (Espacio Riesco and Vittacura).