Informa PLC (LSE:INF), the FTSE 100 events and publishing group, fell 9% to 795p as investors fretted over the company's significant exposure to the Middle East following the outbreak of war between the US, Israel and Iran.
Around a third of Informa's live events business is linked to the region, equivalent to approximately a quarter of the group's total revenues, making it one of the more exposed stocks in the Footsie to an escalation in the conflict.
However, analysts at Panmure Liberum, who retain a 'buy' rating on the stock with a target price of 1,200p, sought to reassure investors that the immediate financial impact was likely to be limited.
The broker noted that Informa has already staged its major first-half events, while its largest second-half events are scheduled late in the year, giving the situation time to stabilise before material disruption becomes likely.
Panmure added that the scale of any lasting impact would depend on how long the conflict continues.
Informa organises large-scale trade shows, conferences and exhibitions across sectors including technology, healthcare and finance, with a particularly strong presence in Dubai and across the wider Gulf region.