COMPANY PROFILE

Ascential

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Data and analytics tools provider that enables smart decision-making for business

London, United KingdomFounded 1887Marketing

Valuation $1.52B Market cap · 2024

Revenue $274M Latest reported FY

EBITDA $119M Latest reported FY

About Ascential

Ascential's journey began long before it became a recognized name in the world of information and data analytics. Originally founded as EMAP in 1947 by Sir Richard Winfrey, the company initially focused on regional newspapers and magazines. Over the decades, it evolved, adapting to the changing media landscape and expanding its portfolio.

In 2016, the company rebranded as Ascential, marking a significant shift in its strategic direction. This rebranding was not just cosmetic; it represented a pivot towards becoming a specialist in information, data, and eCommerce optimization. Under the leadership of Duncan Painter, Ascential focused on helping consumer brands succeed in the digital economy.

A pivotal moment in Ascential's history came in 2024 when it was acquired by Informa plc for approximately £1.15 billion. This acquisition was a testament to Ascential's value and its strong position in the market. The deal allowed Ascential to leverage Informa's extensive resources and global reach, further enhancing its service offerings and market presence.

Throughout its journey, Ascential has made numerous strategic acquisitions, expanding its capabilities and reinforcing its position as a leader in its field. The company's ability to adapt and innovate has been key to its success, allowing it to thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape. Today, Ascential stands as a testament to the power of strategic transformation and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends.

MoreLess Source: Dealroom company data

At a glance

Status: Listed
Founded: 1887
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Listing: IPO 2016
Employees: 3,113
Open positions: None listed
Dealroom signal: 26.7/100
Industry: Marketing, Enterprise Software
Sub-industry: Marketing Analytics
Sector: Marketing
Client focus: b2b
Investment activity: 19 companies, latest Feb 2024
Capital deployed: $106M
Preferred round: ACQUISITION
Links: Website LinkedIn X

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Funding history

2 recorded events

Company financing events and reported valuations.

Deal type	Date	Amount	Valuation	Investors	Source
ACQUISITION✓Exit	Jul 2024	$1.6B	$1.6B	Informa	↗
IPO✓Exit	Feb 2016	$0	—	Undisclosed	—

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Financials

Revenue, earnings and profit over time

Revenue, earnings and other financial measures where available. Years marked “E” are estimates.

Year	Revenue	Growth	EBITDA	Margin	Profit	Margin
2026	$274M	0%	$119M	43.5%	−$216M	-78.8%
2025	$274M	0%	$119M	43.5%	−$216M	-78.8%
2024	$274M	0%	$119M	43.5%	−$254M	-92.7%
2023	$274M	-60.6%	$119M	43.5%
2022	$695M	+50.1%	$148M	21.3%
2021	$463M	+32.5%	$120M	26%
2020	$349M	—	$38M	10.9%

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Growth signals

Ascential website traffic

Latest recorded traffic for Ascential is 14K monthly website visits, down 63.2% over the last three months. Ascential's team grew 0% over the past year.

Latest monthly visits14K 3-month web change-63.2% 1-year team growth0%

Monthly website visitsJun 2017–Feb 2026

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