WORLD – Exhibition organiser Informa has expanded its international portfolio, acquiring US-based design event Dwell on Design.
The acquisition from Dwell Media, for an undisclosed multi-million dollar sum, is part of the UK-based organiser’s international “growth acceleration plan”.
The joint announcement coincided with the launch of Dwell on Design’s 10th edition at the LA Convention Center, 29-31 May. The show, an extension of the popular design magazine, also has a New York edition.
In November, Informa purchased US trade show organiser Hanley Wood Exhibitions for £237m (US$375m), adding 17 trade shows to its construction and real estate vertical.
Rick McConnell, president of Informa Exhibitions US said: "Dwell Media, the voice of modern design, has established Dwell on Design as the largest must-attend design event in the US."
"The acquisition is a tremendous addition to the Informa portfolio, and now strategically positions Informa to be the most significant producer of design and construction exhibitions in the country. We are excited to partner with Dwell Media to make Dwell on Design the must-attend design event worldwide," McConnell added.
Dwell Media will continue to curate on-stage content under the editorial leadership of Dwell executive vice president of content Amanda Dameron.
Dwell president and chief executive Michela O'Connor Abrams said: "It has long been the plan for Dwell on Design to include international arms of what is truly America's largest design event. Paramount to achieving that level of growth was finding the right partner.”
Informa Exhibitions stages more than 150 trade and consumer exhibitions annually worldwide.
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