Have you ever stumbled across a company so quietly powerful that it reshapes entire industries without making headlines? That’s exactly what I felt when I first learned about a London-based giant that’s worth nearly as much as some of the UK’s biggest household names combined. This isn’t your typical flashy tech startup or a consumer brand plastered across billboards. It’s a company that’s been steadily climbing the ranks, leveraging data, analytics, and a sprinkle of artificial intelligence to become a cornerstone of the modern economy. Let me introduce you to a £72 billion success story that’s flying under the radar for most—RELX.
The Rise of a Silent Giant
In a world obsessed with the next big thing, it’s easy to overlook a company like RELX. Valued at £71.9 billion, it sits comfortably as the seventh-largest company in the FTSE-100, rubbing shoulders with giants like Tesco and Vodafone. But what makes it stand out? For one, it’s not a company you’d associate with the UK’s traditional strengths like luxury goods or whisky. Instead, RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics, delivering tools that professionals across industries rely on to make critical decisions. From risk management to legal research, this company has carved out a niche that’s both indispensable and wildly profitable.
What’s even more fascinating is how RELX got here. Born from a 1993 merger between a Dutch scientific publisher and a British media company, it’s transformed from a print-heavy business to a digital powerhouse. Back in the early 2000s, nearly two-thirds of its revenue came from print products—think magazines and comics that kids like me used to flip through. Fast forward to today, and print accounts for just 4% of its income. That’s not just a pivot; it’s a full-on reinvention.
“The ability to adapt to digital transformation is what separates thriving companies from those left behind.”
– Business strategist
Four Pillars of Success
RELX operates in four distinct market segments, each a powerhouse in its own right. Let’s break them down to see why this company is such a big deal.
Risk Solutions: The Backbone of RELX
The largest and most profitable segment is LexisNexis Risk Solutions. This division serves clients in 180 countries, including 85% of the Fortune 500 and most of the world’s top banks and insurers. Imagine a tool that helps companies spot fraud, assess risks, or verify identities in real time. That’s what LexisNexis does, and it’s doing it at scale. With over 90% of its revenue coming from machine-to-machine interactions, it’s no wonder this segment is a cash cow.
I find it pretty incredible that a company born in the UK can have such a global footprint. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about giving businesses the confidence to make bold moves. Whether it’s a bank approving a loan or an insurer evaluating a claim, RELX’s data analytics are the unsung hero behind the scenes.
- Provides data analytics to 85% of Fortune 500 companies.
- Supports nine of the top 10 global banks.
- Drives decisions for 23 of the top 25 insurers worldwide.
Scientific, Technical & Medical: Empowering Discovery
Next up is the Scientific, Technical & Medical (STM) division, based in Amsterdam. This segment is all about fueling research and innovation. It provides analytical tools and curated information to researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals. One of its standout offerings is ScienceDirect AI, a workflow tool that lets researchers instantly access peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. In a world where misinformation is rampant, tools like these are a game-changer.
Think about it: every time a scientist makes a breakthrough or a doctor accesses critical data, RELX might be in the background, quietly making it happen. It’s not flashy, but it’s vital. The STM division also tackles integrity issues in research, ensuring that the scientific community can trust the data it relies on.
Legal: Revolutionizing the Courtroom
The legal segment, led by LexisNexis Legal & Professional, is another feather in RELX’s cap. Based in New York, this division hosts a staggering 161 billion legal and news documents, serving 1.1 million legal professionals. Its latest innovation, Lexis+AI, is billed as the world’s first generative AI platform for legal work. Picture a lawyer sifting through mountains of case law in seconds—that’s the kind of efficiency RELX brings to the table.
I’ve always thought the legal world moves at a glacial pace, but tools like these are shaking things up. They’re not just saving time; they’re transforming how justice is administered. It’s no small feat to stay ahead in a field as complex as law, but RELX seems to have cracked the code.
Exhibitions: Where Ideas Come to Life
Finally, there’s the Exhibitions segment, which is growing faster than any other part of the business. From New York Comic Con to the London Book Fair, RELX runs some of the world’s most iconic events. These aren’t just trade shows; they’re hubs of innovation and connection. The segment’s growth might be fueled by a post-Covid hunger for in-person experiences, and RELX is capitalizing on it beautifully.
It’s kind of wild to think that a company known for data analytics is also behind events like Comic Con. It shows how versatile RELX is, bridging the gap between cold hard data and the vibrant energy of human gatherings.
The AI Edge: Why RELX Is a Tech Titan
If there’s one thing that sets RELX apart, it’s its early bet on artificial intelligence. While other companies were still figuring out what AI could do, RELX was embedding it into its products over a decade ago. Today, AI powers everything from risk assessment to legal research. In the risk division, machine-to-machine interactions drive the majority of revenue, while tools like Lexis+AI and ScienceDirect AI are redefining their respective fields.
“AI isn’t just a tool; it’s the future of how we make decisions.”
– Tech industry analyst
What’s impressive is how RELX balances innovation with stability. It’s one of the top 10 spenders on research and development in the FTSE-100, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. But it’s not just throwing money at shiny new tech. The company’s EBITDA margin of 39.5% shows it’s making smart, profitable investments.
Perhaps the most exciting part? RELX is seen as a major beneficiary of the AI boom. As industries lean more heavily on data-driven decisions, RELX’s tools become even more essential. It’s like they’ve built a moat around their business, and AI is the water keeping competitors at bay.
A Journey Through Time: From Print to Powerhouse
RELX’s story is one of transformation. Back in the 1970s, it was part of a British company publishing newspapers and comics—think nostalgic titles that lined newsstands. By the turn of the century, print still dominated its revenue. But under the leadership of CEO Erik Engstrom, RELX made a bold shift to digital. Today, it’s a leader in information-based analytics, with print making up just a sliver of its income.
This wasn’t a smooth ride. There were hiccups, like a CEO shakeup in 2009, but Engstrom’s steady hand has guided RELX to new heights. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, he’s turned it into a quality compounder—a business that consistently delivers high returns on capital. It’s the kind of company investors dream about.
RELX’s Evolution: 1993: Merger of Dutch and British publishers 2000: 65% revenue from print 2015: Rebranded as RELX 2025: 4% revenue from print, AI-driven growth
Challenges and Competition
No company is without its challenges, and RELX is no exception. In the scientific publishing world, it faces pressure from open-source repositories like arXiv, which offer free access to research. Some academics have even pushed back against RELX’s pricing, with one major university briefly canceling its contract. It’s a reminder that even giants have to stay nimble.
Then there’s the competition. Companies like Wolters Kluwer and Thomson Reuters are hot on RELX’s heels in the risk and legal spaces. To stay ahead, RELX has to keep pouring money into R&D, which isn’t cheap. But honestly, that’s what makes it so impressive—it’s not resting on its laurels.
| Competitor | Key Focus | Challenge Level |
| Wolters Kluwer | Scientific Publishing | Medium |
| Thomson Reuters | Risk & Legal | High |
| Open-Source Repositories | Free Research Access | Medium |
Why RELX Matters to Investors
For investors, RELX is the definition of a reliable performer. Its total shareholder returns over the past decade are the best in the FTSE-100, and its stock trades at a lofty 32 times historic earnings. That’s not cheap, but it’s justified by consistent sales growth, solid cash flow, and that impressive EBITDA margin.
What I love about RELX is its ability to fly under the radar while delivering results that make investors sit up and take notice. It’s not trying to be the next trendy tech stock—it’s just quietly building a business that’s hard to beat. And with the AI revolution in full swing, its future looks brighter than ever.
- Consistent Growth: Steady sales and earnings increases year after year.
- Cash Flow: Strong cash generation supports reinvestment and dividends.
- AI Leadership: Early adoption of AI gives it a competitive edge.
What’s Next for RELX?
Looking ahead, RELX is poised to keep riding the AI wave. Its investments in tools like Lexis+AI and ScienceDirect AI show it’s not just keeping up with trends—it’s setting them. The exhibitions segment, meanwhile, is tapping into a renewed appetite for in-person events, which could drive even more growth.
But here’s a thought: can RELX keep its edge in a world where data is becoming more democratized? Open-source platforms and competitors are circling, and the pressure to innovate is relentless. Still, if its track record is anything to go by, RELX has the chops to stay ahead.
“The future belongs to companies that can turn data into decisions.”
– Industry analyst
In my view, RELX is a shining example of what the UK can do when it leans into its strengths—innovation, adaptability, and a knack for turning ideas into reality. It’s not just a company; it’s a case study in how to thrive in the 21st century.
So, next time someone asks what the UK is good at, point them to RELX. It’s not as flashy as a luxury brand or as iconic as a bottle of Scotch, but it’s proof that Britain is still a powerhouse in its own right. And who knows? Maybe its next big move will finally make it a household name.
