Diversified Communications’ UK division has acquired Northern Restaurant & Bar (NR&B), the trade show which brings together operators and suppliers, representing and leading the hospitality sector in the North of England.
Diversified Communications UK will own and operate NR&B as part of its food and hospitality portfolio which includes lunch!, Casual Dining, Commercial Kitchen, and Natural & Organic Products Europe.
Diversified’s corporate VP of strategy and corporate development, Oakley Dyer said: “As Diversified’s second acquisition in as many months, we are pleased to be executing on our inorganic growth goals with another strategic addition to the portfolio.
“Working closely with leadership in each division, we continue to seek acquisition opportunities that are aligned with their strategies and portfolios.”
NR&B, held at Manchester Central last March, was the most successful to date, with 8,416 visitors, 296 exhibitors, and 60 speakers. The event has been led by Thom Hetherington, CEO of Holden Media, and Andy Clayfield, event director, NR&B. Although Hetherington will be leaving to focus on his non-executive roles and hospitality and cultural consultancy, Clayfield will remain with the show and join Diversified Communications UK as commercial director.
Diversified UK’s MD Carsten Holm said: “It’s great to be welcoming Northern Restaurant & Bar, together with Andy Clayfield, to Diversified Communications. This is an important development for Diversified’s UK business. It’s a great fit for our other successful events in this space, with real synergies across the shows, which will result in tangible benefits for visitors, sponsors, and exhibitors across all events.”
Hetherington added: “I am so proud of what we have achieved since acquiring NR&B almost 20 years ago. We had a very clear vision for the event, which was to make Northern hospitality feel proud of it and part of it. Whilst I have enjoyed every single minute of the past 20 years, the time has come to hand over the baton. I am therefore delighted that we have been able to find a new long-term home for NR&B in a company that shares our values and philosophy. Being part of Diversified Communications will give NR&B the support required to drive the show forward.”
Clayfield also welcomed the announcement: “This is good news for our market, and I look forward to working as part of the Diversified team and continuing to serve the market as the leading event for hospitality in the North.”
The 22nd edition of NR&B, will be held at Manchester Central, 14-15 March 2023 .
Mayfield Merger Strategies acted as adviser to NR&B owners, Holden Media.
