MAG up for UK regeneration with acquisition from Eton Events

The UK’s Mark Allen Group (MAG) has acquired, for an undisclosed sum, the annual Regen exhibition and conference from the Chester, UK-based Eton Events. The event, which reportedly turns over no more than £100k (US$131.8k), usually takes place in Liverpool but was cancelled in 2021. It serves the regeneration sector, with exhibitors from the fields of construction, urban planning, civil engineering, and renewable energy.

Regen is next scheduled to run 2-3 November in St George’s Hall, Liverpool, under the organisation of MAG operating company MA Business.

Previous show owner and event director Andrew Clark will remain involved in Regen’s transition to the Mark Allen Group. He said: “It has been a privilege to own Regen and to have built the event into the industry’s leading forum for thought leadership in UK regeneration and economic development. I am delighted to remain involved, safe in the knowledge that this acquisition will ensure this important event’s continued growth and progression.

MAG executive chairman Mark Allen said: “Regen presents a golden opportunity for us. The so-called Northern Powerhouse and the government’s levelling up agenda has created an even more crucial interest in the whole area of regeneration. Andrew has done a brilliant job in making Regen a leading forum to examine issues relating to the whole question of regeneration. We now want to take Regen to the next level.”

Analysts have said MAG could expect record 2021-2 revenue of £60m (2020-21: £54.6m) and EBITDA of £12.3m (£8.4m).