RELX in brief
- Rank: #48 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #5 of 12 in Technology & Digital.
- WCRC Power Score: 65.48 out of 100.
- Founded: 1993, by Merger of Reed International and Elsevier.
- Owner: RELX PLC, London, England.
- Leadership: Erik Engstrom, Chief Executive Officer.
- Latest revenue: £9.6bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +1.7%), group revenue of RELX PLC, as per company filings.
What makes RELX powerful
RELX is one of the UK's largest technology and data companies, though its brand is better known to professionals than to consumers. In 2025 revenue reached £9.59bn with underlying growth of 7%, while adjusted operating profit rose 9% on an underlying basis to £3.34bn, lifting the margin to 34.8%.
Its strength is breadth and depth. The group serves four markets: Risk, which continued to grow strongly; Scientific, Technical & Medical, where momentum improved; Legal, which saw a further step up in growth; and Exhibitions, with strong ongoing growth. Chief executive Erik Engstrom said the evolution of artificial intelligence is helping RELX add more value for customers, building on decades of proprietary data. Cash generation is powerful enough to fund £2.25bn of buybacks planned for 2026, up from £1.5bn in 2025, a sign of its consistent cash generation.
RELX plans £2.25bn of share buybacks in 2026, up from £1.5bn in 2025.
Why RELX ranks #48
RELX ranks 48th with a WCRC Power Score of 65.48, between Virgin Atlantic above and Gordon's below. Digital and financial strength (78) is its standout pillar, reflecting £9.59 billion of revenue, a 34.8% margin and large buybacks, with product and innovation (70) also strong. Positioning and recall (60) holds it back most: LexisNexis and Elsevier are known to professionals, but the RELX name means little to the public.
The Achilles' heel
The biggest risk for RELX is perception around AI. Data and analytics stocks were hit in early 2026 by fears that generative AI tools could make professional information easier to replicate, and RELX had to reassure investors. Reported revenue growth was only about 2% in 2025 because of currency effects, even as underlying growth was strong.
The 2026 story
RELX opened 2026 by reporting 2025 results in February: revenue of £9.59bn, underlying revenue growth of 7% and underlying adjusted operating profit growth of 9%. Erik Engstrom highlighted strong new sales and said AI was enabling the group to add value for customers. The results came as AI fears hit data stocks, and RELX projected strong growth for 2026 while planning £2.25bn of share buybacks, of which £250m had already been completed at the time of the results.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is RELX in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
RELX ranks #48 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 65.48 out of 100.
What makes RELX powerful?
Proprietary data and analytics embedded in customer workflows deliver consistent growth and margins near 35%.
What is RELX's revenue?
£9.6bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +1.7%), group revenue of RELX PLC, as per company filings.
Who founded and owns RELX?
RELX was founded in 1993 by Merger of Reed International and Elsevier. It is owned by RELX PLC and based in London, England.
Who leads RELX?
Erik Engstrom, Chief Executive Officer.
What is RELX's biggest challenge?
Investor fears that generative AI could erode the value of information and data businesses.
Also featured in
- Most powerful Technology & Digital brands
- UK's 50 Most Valuable Brands
- Most Innovative British Brands
- Most powerful brands in England
Key facts
| Brand | RELX |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | RELX PLC |
| Headquarters | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder(s) | Merger of Reed International and Elsevier |
| Leadership | Erik Engstrom, Chief Executive Officer |
| Latest revenue | £9.6bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +1.7%), group revenue of RELX PLC, as per company filings |
| Sector | Technology & Digital |
| Website | relx.com |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by RELX PLC
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
