Blackstone Seals $1.3 Billion Deal to Take Over International Data Group

Blackstone, the world’s leading alternative asset manager, has officially completed its acquisition of International Data Group (IDG), a powerhouse in technology market intelligence and research. The deal, valued at $1.3 billion enterprise value, marks a significant move in consolidating expertise within the $5 trillion technology sector.

What Makes This Deal Important

IDG isn’t just another data company. For over 55 years, it has been embedded in the technology industry, serving as a trusted source of market intelligence for enterprises, IT suppliers, and business decision-makers globally. The acquisition represents Blackstone’s strategic bet on data-driven insights as a critical asset for navigating the fast-evolving tech landscape.

The transaction, which involved IDG’s previous owner Oriental Rainbow (a subsidiary of China Oceanwide Holdings Group), brings two major operational pillars under one roof: International Data Corporation (IDC) and IDG Communications (IDGC).

The Dual Business Model Behind IDG

IDC’s Global Reach: IDC functions as a premier market intelligence provider, leveraging over 1,100 analyst experts across 110+ countries. The subsidiary delivers research, advisory services, and events covering IT, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets—providing fact-based insights that help organizations make informed business decisions.

IDGC’s Editorial Dominance: IDG Communications operates as a content powerhouse, running a portfolio of premium tech media brands including CIO®, Computerworld®, CSO®, InfoWorld®, Macworld®, Network World®, PCWorld®, and Tech Hive®. Beyond editorial content, IDGC leverages Triblio, a proprietary marketing technology platform, and first-party data intelligence to help marketers identify purchase intent and execute sophisticated campaigns.

What Blackstone Brings to the Table

Peter Wallace, Global Head of Core Private Equity at Blackstone, and Vikram Suresh, Managing Director, highlighted the strategic vision: the firm plans to accelerate IDG’s product development and drive innovation in technology solutions. Blackstone’s $731 billion in assets under management and experience across private equity, real estate, and growth equity positions it to scale IDG’s operations globally.

This acquisition underscores how alternative asset managers are increasingly targeting data and intelligence platforms—recognizing that proprietary insights and trusted editorial content are increasingly valuable in a tech-driven economy.

The transaction was facilitated by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as financial advisor to IDG, with legal support from King & Wood Mallesons and Mintz. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as Blackstone’s legal counsel.