Easyfairs buys German shows despite its own continuing acquisition rumours

Exhibition organiser Easyfairs recently strengthened its tradeshow portfolio by acquiring two mechanical engineering supplier events from Clarion, FMB and FMB-Sud, in Germany. Between them the shows claim 750 exhibitors and 7,000 attendees. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The two exhibitions will sit within the Easyfairs DACH portfolio. Roland Brand, Head of Easyfairs Switzerland and Germany, emphasises the strategic value of the deal: “FMB and FMB-Süd, [held 20-21 February at the Augsburg Messe], are a perfect match to our existing portfolio of industrial trade shows: Solids, Maintenance, Pumps & Valves, Empack and Logistics.

"We will utilise the evident synergies between our present shows and FMB in order to create more value for the industrial communities we serve. As an international and fast-growing company, we have ambitious plans to further develop and expand our portfolio in Germany and Switzerland.”

Dietmar Schöner, Director of Marketing & Operations for FMB at Clarion commented on the sale: “The entire FMB team welcomes the future commitment of Easyfairs… We look forward to a lively exchange of experiences and exciting joint projects in the future!”

Easyfairs, which owns over 200 events in 18 countries and delivers an estimated annual revenue stream of €180m, is itself the subject of sale speculation, but is clearly adding to its portfolio nonetheless.

The company is owned by former Reed director and Belgian entrepreneur Eric Everard, who founded Artexis (venues) in 1997 and then Easyfairs International to launch exhibitions. He merged the two companies in 2014.