The big news of last month is the acquisition by Tarsus of a majority stake in Turkish exhibition organiser Istanbul Fair Organisation (IFO). The acquisition is subject to shareholder approval for the placing of additional shares. This marks a new territory for Tarsus as it joins ITE, Hannover Messe International, UBM, Clarion and others in what is becoming the fastest emerging market to be internationalised. IFO is considered to be one of the best independent organisers with a portfolio of three events – Asansor (Elevators), REW (Recycling) and Sign – and will become the hub for Tarsus’ further expansion in Turkey.
In France, Comexposium has acquired GL Events’ stake in Sodes, organiser of the fashion tradeshow (Pret a Porter Paris) to add to its portfolio of fashion exhibitions including Premiere Classe, Who’s Next and Interselection. This puts all the fashion trade fairs of Paris under one roof.
In the UK, Diversified Business Communications (DBC) acquired the Service Desk and IT Support Show from VCM Events. This represents the first technology focused event in Diversified’s UK portfolio and is quite a departure from its usual sectors. DBC has always maintained that in order to grow its UK business it needs to move into new sectors and, like the rest of its portfolio, Service Desk is a community-oriented event.
Messe Frankfurt continues to be the most acquisitive German Messe with the acquisition of the GreenShowroom fashion tradeshow in Berlin. Messe Frankfurt has been focusing on sustainable textiles and production in its Paris, New York and Asian textile portfolio and GreenShowroom with its fashion, accessories and lifestyle products made using environmentally friendly and sustainable methods is a logical addition.
Moving east we can see a classic piece of entrepreneurialism from Tim Etchells of Single Market Events (pictured). First spot a gap in the market, then bring together two partners – Montgomery and Will Ramsey, organiser of the UKs Affordable Art Show – and Art Hong Kong is born. Three years later with 45,000 visitors attending the 3rd edition, he sells a majority stake to the most prestigious organiser of Art Fairs, MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel), organiser of Art Basel and Art Basel Miami Beach exhibitions.
UBM extended its reach in Southeast Asia with the acquisition by UBM Asia of AMB Exhibitions which operates a portfolio of shows in Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The portfolio includes exhibitions for the water, livestock, energy and mechanical/electrical sectors. I had the pleasure of working with AMB’s founder Andrew Siow many years ago when he joined Blenheim from Montgomery, Andrew was instrumental in developing Blenheim’s business in Asia and over the 15 years since Blenheim sold its business to UBM he has created his own independent business which he sold to UBM.
Finally, in Saudi Arabia and 15 months since Informa led the way into the market with a partnership with the National Exhibition Company, Reed Exhibitions has entered the Saudi market by signing a strategic partnership with Sunaidi Expo, organiser of jewellery and home decor shows, augmenting the company’s presence in the Middle East.
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