Easyfairs has announced the acquisition of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics. The move represents a significant addition to Easyfairs’ extensive European engineering and manufacturing portfolio of events.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics’ 26th edition takes place 6-8 February 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, in England, and is a key event for the manufacturing technology sector in the UK, attracting over 460 exhibitors and 9,000 attendees. It is the only large-scale industrial engineering event in the South of England.
Easyfairs currently organises 30 industrial events across nine countries, including Advanced Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing and All About Automation. Advanced Engineering, one of the biggest in the portfolio, has its flagship event at the NEC Birmingham in November and is the UK’s largest annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals. Since its acquisition by Easyfairs in 2015, it has become a market leader and launched also into Belgium and Sweden.
Matt Benyon, group CEO of Easyfairs, commented: “Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is a perfect strategic fit for our growing portfolio; and as part of an established stable of industry-leading events, the event’s future development and its loyal exhibitor and visitor base that has been built up over the last 30 years will be in very safe hands.”
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics was built up as a family business by founders Phil and Jo Valentine who will remain involved with the business as consultants.
Alison Willis, managing director of Easyfairs UK, said: “The knowledge and experience that the Valentine family bring, combined with the strength of Easyfairs pan-European network of industrial trade shows, our advanced technology platform, and the obvious synergies within the Easyfairs portfolio will certainly drive the next phase in the event’s development.”
Phil Valentine added: “We could not be more delighted to reach this agreement with Easyfairs. As a family business, founded exactly 30 years ago, we were always going to be cautious to choose the right company to take the event forward as and when we were in a position to sell.”
Easyfairs will resume full operational running of the event from the end of February 2024.
Easyfairs is ranked 11 of the world’s top exhibition organisers, according to the STAX annual ranking.
Find out more on www.easyfairs.com
