On July 23 local time, French GL events Group released its financial performance results for the first half of 2025.
GL events reported revenue of €889m (approximately RMB 7.476 billion)* in H1 2025, an increase of 8% (+9.5% at constant exchange rates1 ), building on the momentum of 2024. In addition to favourable biennial effects, this performance was underpinned by the strength and complementarity of GL events' three business divisions, both in France and in each of the major international regions where the Group is developing. The Group has also been successful in finding new drivers of growth and profitability, in addition to the success of the services centred around the 2024 Olympic Games.
At 30 June 2025, international activity accounted for 51% of revenue, up from 36% a year earlier.
Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented:
"GL events performed well in the first half, buoyed by its strong fundamentals, the relevance of its global strategy and the unwavering commitment of its employees around the world. 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.
We will maintain our momentum, accompanied by rigorous management and heightened vigilance in a complex global economic environment, and are confident in our ability to meet our targets for 2025, by pursuing a trajectory of sustainable and measured growth.”
GL EVENTS LIVE
GL EVENTS LIVE reported a robust activity after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with revenue of €459m (approximately RMB 3.86 billion)* , down 8% compared to 30 June 2024. GL events Live has confirmed its position as the partner of choice for major events around the world.
At the end of June 2025, In H1 2025, GL events Live once again 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 has 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.
GL EVENTS EXHIBITIONS
GL EVENTS EXHIBITIONS reported strong growth of 52% in H1 2025, with revenue of €172m (approximately RMB 1.446 billion)* . This growth is mainly driven by a favourable biennial effect (ExpoMine, SIRHA, and the Rio International Book Fair), which accounted for €40 million (approximately RMB 336 million)* , growth in other major trade exhibitions organized by the Group (Global Industrie, CFIA, etc.), and the beginning of a recovery in Première Vision trade shows.
At the same time, the economic environment in China remains challenging, with notably weaker performances for the trade shows organised by the Group. During this period, the division strengthened its healthcare vertical with the organisation of SantExpo, acquired a controlling interest (69%) in the Chinese exhibition of veterinary equipment for companion animals, and in July acquired B4 events, a medical congress organiser.
GL EVENTS VENUES
GL EVENTS VENUES maintained its growth trajectory in H1 2025 with reported revenue of €258m (approximately RMB 2.17 billion)* , up 23% compared with 2024.
This 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 center in Santiago, Chile. In South Africa, Group teams benefited from preparatory meetings for the G20 summit to be held in Q4 2025.
*Based on the Bank of China's central parity rate on July 28, 2025