Apollo-backed Forge acquires Kisaco Research

Forge, the B2B events and media company formed by Apollo Funds in July 2026 through the combination of Emerald and Questex, has acquired Kisaco Research. The London-based target builds conferences and communities in technology, healthcare, wellness and legal markets, and its 14-event portfolio includes the AI Infra Summit, AI Drug Discovery, Medical Cost Containment, Beauty Connect and the Medspa series. Terms were not disclosed.

Forge CEO Paul Miller said Kisaco's research-led approach to emerging markets fits the company's strategy and gives it both a specialist event portfolio and a model for developing new markets, with room to expand internationally and add year-round digital offerings. Kisaco founder Sarah Clayton said joining Forge combines its market knowledge with Forge's global reach across events, media, data and digital.

The deal is Forge's second acquisition since Apollo formed the company, following its completed purchase of healthcare events and media portfolio Becker's on October 20, 2026. Mayfield Media Strategies advised the sellers and Edwin Coe acted as their legal counsel; Solomon Partners advised Forge alongside legal counsel Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.