Forge Has Agreed to Acquire Becker’s Healthcare

The transaction combines a major media platform with a leading provider of healthcare industry insights and events.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Healthcare

Isometric editorial illustration of two large, matte rectangular architectural volumes merging together into a singular structure. — Forge has reached an agreement to acquire Chicago-based Becker's Healthcare from Pamlico Capital, combining the media platforms under its existing Fierce brand. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Forge has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Chicago-based Becker's Healthcare from Pamlico Capital. This strategic move aims to integrate Becker's portfolio of digital publications and annual conferences into Forge's existing Fierce Healthcare and Life Sciences platform.

Why it matters

The acquisition is designed to establish a scaled omnichannel platform for the healthcare industry. By combining complementary capabilities, the companies aim to better serve professional audiences amid market growth driven by technology advances and aging populations.

The deal brings 16 annual conferences and over a dozen digital publications under the Forge umbrella. Becker's currently hosts more than 15,000 attendees annually across its live events.

The players

Forge

Forge is a business media platform formed by the combination of Emerald and Questex following an acquisition by Apollo Funds.

Becker's Healthcare

Becker's Healthcare is a Chicago-based media company specializing in industry news and professional conferences for healthcare executives.

Jessica Cole

Jessica Cole has served as the President and CEO of Becker's Healthcare since 2010.

Pamlico Capital

Pamlico Capital is the private equity firm that previously held ownership of Becker's Healthcare.

Apollo Funds

Apollo Funds is the investment entity that facilitated the formation of Forge through the acquisition of Emerald and Questex.

The details

Forge, formed by Apollo Funds through the combination of Emerald and Questex in July 2026, will merge Becker's assets with its existing Fierce brand. Legal and financial advisory roles for the deal were filled by firms including BrightTower, Holland & Knight LLP, JEGI LEONIS, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

Jessica Cole has served as President and CEO of Becker's Healthcare since 2010.
Forge was formed following an acquisition by Apollo Funds in July 2026.
The companies announced the definitive acquisition agreement on September 30, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a broader trend of consolidating professional media and event platforms to capture larger shares of specialized industry spending. By integrating Becker's, Forge strengthens its competitive position against other diversified media conglomerates serving the life sciences sector.

Healthcare professionals who rely on Becker's publications or conferences may eventually see integrated subscription offerings or bundled access across the combined Forge platform. For now, the transition will focus on organizational alignment without immediate changes to customer pricing or service access.

The takeaway

This acquisition underscores the high value of specialized industry media and event networks as primary touchpoints for executive education and networking. Professionals in the field should anticipate a more unified digital experience as these platforms integrate their data and event capabilities.